Snow hit East End this week, and that means winter creeps ever closer. You know what else is creeping closer? Halloween and all the spookiness entailed therein. In the meantime, check out these Bets Bets for other happenings — including local efforts to help Western Alaska evacuees.

BEST WESTERN ALASKA LOCAL AID BET: For individuals wanting to support ongoing efforts to help evacuees from Western Alaska’s villages after Typhoon Halong, a Homer community member is organizing donation boxes around town after volunteering this week at the Egan Center and learning from numerous nonprofits and organizations what items are needed. Donation boxes in Homer are located at Save-U-More and Ulmer’s Drug & Hardware. A load of donations will be picked up from both locations at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 and delivered to Anchorage on Monday, Oct. 27. Items currently most needed include toiletries (toothpaste, children’s and adult toothbrushes, floss, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrushes, combs, deodorant, ear swabs, razors, shaving cream, shaving kits, body lotion, lip balm, toenail clippers, hairbands, headlamps, phone chargers); clothes for all ages (new items only — socks, underwear, shirts, pants, pajamas, coats, hats, scarves, gloves); and books, games and puzzles for ages 12 and up. Surplus items NOT needed at this time include food, bottled water, feminine products, body wipes, baby food, and books, games and puzzles from children under 12. Financial donations can be made to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund through the Alaska Community Foundation( www.alaskacf.fcsuite.com); Kipnuk Village Relief Fund (www.gofundme.com/KipnukVillageReliefFund); and American Red Cross (www.redcross.org/donate/dr/alaska-storms-floods-2025). Physical donations can be made in Anchorage at the Chugach Electric Warehouse at 1120 E 1st Street, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. To volunteer, visit www.mui.org/ykhelp or contact Clare.Ross@anchorageak.gov.

BEST WELLNESS WEDNESDAY BET: Join South Peninsula Hospital for weekly Wellness Wednesdays at Kachemak Bay Campus from 5:30-7:30 p.m.! On Oct. 29, Homer local Wendy Weber will share an insightful community presentation and practical tools for mindfulness and meditation. Whether you or your child are navigating stress, anxiety, perfectionism or major life transitions, Wendy will guide participants in simple strategies to cultivate clarity, peace and empowerment. This is a welcoming space to explore self-awareness and self-compassion as pathways to more joyful living. After, enjoy an hour of Yin Yoga led by Metis Riley. As always, free soup and bread will be provided, and all are welcome! Kachemak Bay Campus, 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST LOCAL EDUCATOR COLLABORATION BET: Are you a local educator? Join the Pratt Museum for the first meeting of the Pratt Advisory Committee of Education (PACE) on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m.! They’re looking for local educators of all grades and subject areas to collaborate with their education team. By being involved, you will help shape the vision of the educational programs at the Pratt. The committee will meet monthly at the museum through April for 90 minutes per meeting. Have questions or looking for more information? Visit the Pratt Museum website or contact Maghan Monnig, Education & Public Programs Manager, education@prattmuseum.org. 3779 Bartlett St.

This story has been updated to reflect that local donations for Western Alaska are no longer being transported weekly to Anchorage after Oct. 27.