The Schererville Parks Department will host Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 3 at the Community Center, 500 E. Joliet St., Schererville. There will be photos with Santa and hot cocoa, and children can make reindeer food to leave out on Christmas Eve. The cost for ages 11 and under is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents; ages 12 and up $13 for residents and $15 for nonresident. Register by Nov. 30 at www.schererville.org.

Opportunity Enterprises will open its doors to the public for the 2016 Holiday Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at 2801 Evans Ave., Valparaiso. The Simply Amazing Market will host an open house showcasing a variety of gourmet treats and holiday-themed confections, along with ceramics and artisan glassware made by Opportunity Enterprises client artists. Guests can browse and place holiday orders. Local vendors also will be on hand selling specialty products from noon to 5 p.m. In addition, Santa will make an appearance, and there will be arts, crafts and games. Popcorn and Painting will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for ages 7 and up on a first-come, first-served basis; the cost is $25. Vendor booths, more information and registration for Popcorn and Painting is at www.oppent.org/holiday2016. More information about Simply Amazing Market at www.simplyamazingtreats.comor 219-464-2670.

The Valparaiso Family YMCA will partner with the Northwest Indiana Parrothead Club to host a holiday breakfast with Santa from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 3 at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive. There will be photos with Santa for $2, and each child will receive a gift. In addition, there will be games and crafts. Tickets are $6 per adult, $3 per child. Buy tickets by Dec. 1 at the YMCA Courtesy Desk or at www.valpoymca.org.

The Froebel High School Alumni Park Committee will sponsor its eight annual Children's Cartoon Christmas Party at 9 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Glen Theater, 20 W. Ridge Road, Gary. The event will include cartoons, live entertainment, prizes and pictures with Santa. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for the continued development of the Froebel Memorial Park. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 for adults at 219-985-8256 or 219-887-2046.

Members of both the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Kappa Chapter, and the Indiana University Dons, Inc. will join forces to collect for those in need from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at two locations in Gary: Save More Food Center, 921 Broadway; and Fresh County Market, 2550 Arthur St. Proceeds will provide clothes, food and toys for children and families during the holiday season. For more information, call 219-887-2046.

The African American Achievers Youth Corps Inc. received a $1,500 Charitable Sponsorship from The UPS Foundation, which drives global corporate citizenship and philanthropic programs for UPS. The grant will be used to support the Achievers' mentoring, counseling, and tutoring program. The program is for African American males, grades 6-12, and is its 24th year. Group mentoring is provided weekly on the campus of Indiana University Northwest. The Achievers own and operate the Glen Theater at 20 W. Ridge Road, Gary.

—Staff report