Calendar: Whole Foods toy drive … John Besh book signing this weekend

The giving tree: Whole Foods will hold a toy drive collecting Christmas gifts and other items for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s hospital now through Wednesday, Dec. 22nd. Items must be new, latex-free, and appropriate for small children; those in highest demand are baby dolls, board books, checker and chess games, and Legos. Call the store at 218-0452 or visit the website to learn more. Besh at his best: New Orleans’ Chef John Besh will make an appearance at the CitiPlace Barnes and Noble this Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. to sign and discuss his cookbook, My New Orleans. Pick up this personalized gift for the foodie on your gift list! Find more info at the store’s website.