Astros honor World War II veteran from Katy

The Houston Astros have honored veterans and invited one of Katy’s own, World War II veteran Thelma Williams, to attend a World Series game. Williams served in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps.

“I have never been to a World Series game, and I can’t believe that I can now take this off my bucket list,” Williams said.

Williams was recently celebrated as the oldest American Legion member who attended the recent American Legion convention. She continues to be loved among the Greater Houston American Legion and Veteran Community.

American Legion Commander Hector Giron of American Legion Post 654 was instrumental in also arranging for the recognition U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Tamborello.

“We are so thankful the Houston Astros and its staff for honoring our greatest generation throughout the 2022 MLB Post Season and they have provided over 5,000 tickets for the regular and post season for veterans in our community this year alone,” Giron said.

Williams served the U.S. Army Corps from 1943-47 and performed her duty in Europe Germany and Japan.

The American Legion Post 164 in Katy meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday for a social mixer and then a business meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 22125 Kingsland Blvd. The gathering is open to current members and new prospective members. For more information, visit the website LegionPost164KatyTX.org.

Katy Lions Leos partner with Special Pals for adoption and pet food drive

The Katy Lions Club Leos are partnering with Special Pals for a pet adoption and food drive. The public is invited to bring canned food or prepackaged pet foods suitable for dogs and cats to the Special Pals Rescue Resources Center, where the Leos will be on hand to help.

The event is from 12-4 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Special Pals Rescue Resource Center, 3830 Greenhouse Road. For more information, call 713-714-6789, extension 6, or visit katylions.org/leos.

Katy Heritage Society to award scholarships

The Katy Heritage Society will award scholarships at its upcoming regular membership meeting. The scholarships are for winners of a writing contest in which contestants prepared and submitted essays on Katy history. The money will be donated to the school of the winner’s choice.

The meeting is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, 814 East Ave. G. For more information, visit the website katyheritagesociety.com.

Houston Texans to donate to Katy Lions Club, Robertson Elementary School PTA

The Houston Texans are welcoming the Katy Lions Club as they host the Washington Commanders on Nov. 20 at NRG Stadium.

The Katy Lions have been serving the Katy community since 1972 through vision screening, food assistance, toy drives, scholarships and more. A portion from every ticket sold will be donated back to the Katy Lions Club and Robertson Elementary PTA.

For more information or questions, call Josh Curtis at 832-667-2374 or via email at josh.curtis@houstontexans.com.

Katy Toy Drive is underway and seeks donations

The Katy Toy Drive is seeking new, unwrapped toys and games in their original packaging. All toys benefit the Katy and surrounding communities. The drive began Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 2.

For more information, including drop-off locations, visit the website katytoydrive.org.

Veterans’ food drive set for Nov. 22

Good Faith Community, Katy Christian Ministries and the Military Order of the Purple Heart are hosting a veterans’ food drive, which is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Katy Christian Ministries, 5510 1st St.

Limited spots are available, and those attending must present either their DD-214 or veteran ID/VA card. To RSVP, visit the website https://forms.gle/N8LVfgu43bgNbcAf7.

To volunteer, visit the website https://forms.gle/L5b2gPDdnhRGKRGx6.

Fort Bend County Libraries to close in observance of Veterans Day

All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries, which include the Cinco Ranch Branch Library and the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans’ Day. Regular library hours will resume on Saturday.

The county’s library is always open at fortbend.lib.tx.us for searching the catalog, renewing books or placing holds, streaming movies and music, downloading e-books, or using the research databases.

For more information, call the library system’s communications office at 281-633-4734.

Brookshire Christmas Toy Blessing dates announced

Organizers for the 17th annual Brookshire Christmas Toy Blessing have announced the dates for the signup and pickup for donated toys.

Those interested must sign up in person to receive toys, which are subject to availability.

Signup is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 29. Pickup is from 12-5 p.m. Dec. 20. Both events will be at the Hangar Unity Center, 4010 4th St., in Brookshire.

For more information, call Ryan Orbin at 832-441-5805.