🌱 Patch AM: How Athens’ Empty Stocking Fund is keeping families’ lights on

Greetings Athens! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Athens’ Empty Stocking Fund is keeping families’ lights on
• How could a smaller Prince Avenue hotel still reshape your neighborhood?
• What will UGA’s new insect zoo bring to Athens?

Also on today's calendar: Basketball Team Christmas Show! and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 63 and low of 37 degrees.
• Monday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 55, low: 41.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 64 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Empty Stocking Fund: Referrals surge as families struggle with rent, utilities (onlineathens.com) — Families across Athens-Clarke County are turning to the Empty Stocking Fund as rising rent, utility bills and car repairs strain already tight holiday budgets. More than $62,000 has been donated so far, but local agencies report surging referrals, especially for utility help, and organizers are urging Athens residents to give online or by mail to meet growing need.
   

2. Plans Released for Smaller Hotel at UGA President's House (flagpole.com) — A scaled-down hotel is now proposed behind the former UGA President’s House on Prince Avenue, but neighbors and Keep Athens Local still say it’s too big for Athens-Clarke County zoning. Preservation group Historic Athens is gathering feedback, and the Planning Commission will review the plan on Jan. 8, potentially shaping traffic, noise, and neighborhood character for years.
   

3. Athens News Matters: December 20th, 2025 (wuga.org) — UGA’s Entomology Department is launching an insect zoo in January, giving Athens residents a close-up look at the creepy-crawly world right on campus. WUGA is also sharing its eclectic holiday music mixtape, offering local listeners fresh seasonal sounds beyond the usual store playlists.
   

4. Nick Sheridan, ex-Michigan QB and Alabama co-OC and QBs coach, to become MSU OC (freep.com subscription) — A recent Alabama–Georgia football matchup at Sanford Stadium in Athens provides the backdrop for photos of Alabama co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Sheridan, who is set to become Michigan State’s offensive coordinator. The brief item mainly notes his role with Alabama and shows him on the sidelines during that Athens game.
   

📸 Around Athens

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Athens

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 20

• Basketball Team Christmas Show!
  The Foundry , 295 E Dougherty St , Athens
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• HPC- Education Committee
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 120 West Dougherty Street , Athens
  4:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board Meeting - CANCELED
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 120 West Dougherty Street , Athens
  5:30 pm

Saturday December 27

• "Athens Farmers Market" at Bishop Park
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 705 Sunset Drive , Athens
  8:00 am

Monday December 29

• "Happy Holidaze" Day off School Program at Lay Park Begins
  Athens-Clarke County, GA Calendar , 297 Hoyt St. , Athens
  9:00 am

Saturday January 3

• KACCB Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling
  Various
  9:00 am

📣 Athens Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• The Nutcracker Ballet
  The Classic Center , 300 N Thomas St , Athens
  2:00 pm
• Ben Bostick
  Strange Duck Brewing Co , 26 Old , Allen Rd , Commerce
  3:00 pm
• Off the Clock Comedy
  The Globe , 199 N Lumpkin St , Athens
  8:30 pm

Monday December 22

• Winter Break
  Commerce City Commerce, GA 30529

Tuesday December 23

• JV/G Wrestling @ Walt Hennenbal Inv Mountain View -Time TBD
  Oglethorpe County Lexington, GA 30648
• Downtown Development Authority
  Jefferson, GA Calendar , Jefferson Station 1000 Washington Street , Jefferson
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• This little girl was found in the Kroger Epps Bridge parking lot.
  A co-worker found her. Message me if you know her. (Nextdoor Five Points)
• Missing from Gail Drive (off Whitehead) since Thursday 12/18.
  Black/white tuxedo cat named Levi. He’s wearing a black collar with my phone number and the name “Luna” on it (he loses collars constantly). His left… (Nextdoor Whitehead Road)

• PDS Tech, Inc. posted a job opening for Forklift Operator in Athens. Apply here.
• Merry Maids posted a job opening for Housekeeper / House Cleaner in Athens. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Athens here.

Ok Athens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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