PROSSER — Two of Sunnyside’s own are an integral part of a highly anticipated holiday happening each year. Prosser resident Dean McWhirk, a 1979 Sunnyside High School graduate, lights up one of his company’s long haul or heavy equipment trucks each year, and with his wife Amber, becomes members of the Lower Valley Christmas Truck group.

SUNNYSIDE — As nine-year old Noe Estrada tore through the wrapping paper and opened his present from the Shop with a Cop event on Sunday, Dec. 22, Walmart Associate Emilio Bueno sat across from him at the breakfast table and watched with excitement like a big brother on Christmas morning.

SUNNYSIDE — Nearly 30 Chief Kamiakin Elementary fourth and fifth grade students were selected to participate as “leadership kiddos” and represent their school during a Christmas card social with Sunnyside Assisted Living residents on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

SUNNYSIDE — Walmart Associate Emilio Bueno worked through the entire week of Thanksgiving, earning an extra 15 percent discount on a single item purchase and instead of using the reward on himself, he chose to apply it toward a present for Noah, one of the students selected to participate in the Shop with a Cop event.

GRANDVIEW — A former Walmart truck driver, Paul Brower had always wanted to take part in a Wreaths Across America, an event involving the laying of Christmas wreaths on veterans’ graves.

SUNNYSIDE — “It’s awful,” Sunrise Outreach Food Bank volunteer Lynn Simmons said of the increase in the number of people needing food this time of year.