📫 Filling Hearts and Pantries | Donate Food in Wake County | Spread Some Holiday Magic & Donate Toys | Local Giving Trees 📍

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Hello friends!

Happy Peppermint Latte Day! ☕✨
Today is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to one of the season’s most festive flavors. Whether you’re grabbing a warm peppermint latte from your favorite local café or whipping one up at home, take a moment to slow down, sip, and savor the cozy holiday vibes.

Pair it with a winter stroll, a little Christmas shopping, or a quiet moment by the tree—whatever brings you joy. Cheers to a sweet and minty start to the day! 🎄❤️

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

December shopping: when “just looking” magically turns into “how did this all fit in my cart?” 🛒

📍 Trivia 📍

Christmas Town, USA – The small town of McAdenville, NC, is famously known as “Christmas Town, USA.” Each December, the entire town lights up with over 500,000 Christmas lights. ✨

Southport is About to Turn the Cape Fear River into a Christmas Card: The 2025 Winterfest Flotilla is Coming!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13, 2025, because Southport is throwing the coziest, twinkliest, most Hallmark-movie-worthy boat parade on the North Carolina coast, and you’re invited!

Picture this: the sun sets around 5:00 p.m., the air smells like salt and pine, and suddenly the entire waterfront starts glowing. Dozens of boats (little skiffs with a single strand of lights and a very determined Labrador in a Santa hat, all the way up to big charter yachts dressed like the Polar Express) parade right past the Old Yacht Basin and cruise the Intracoastal Waterway like a floating Christmas miracle.

The Southport Winterfest Flotilla officially kicks off at dusk (usually around 5:30–6:00 p.m., when the sky is the perfect shade of holiday velvet). From the Southport waterfront, the swing bridge, or anywhere along Bay Street, you’ll see every reflection doubled: lights on the boats AND lights dancing on the water. Kids go feral with glow necklaces, grandparents tear up a little, and at least one captain will blast “Sweet Caroline” because this is still North Carolina, y’all.

After the last boat waves goodbye (usually by 7:00 p.m.), the party just moves onto dry land. Downtown Southport flips the switch on its massive tree, the shops stay open late slinging hot cider and peppermint bark, and the whole town feels like it’s been sprinkled with magic dust. Grab a cup of cocoa, browse the adorable boutiques for that perfect coastal ornament, or just wander the oak-lined streets while carolers roam around being unreasonably good at harmony.

This isn’t a crowded, stressful holiday event. This is front-porch, small-town, “we saved you a rocking chair” Christmas. Bring the family, bring your out-of-town guests who think the beach shuts down in winter (surprise them!), or bring yourself and a blanket for the most peaceful dose of holiday cheer you’ll find anywhere.

Saturday, December 13, 2025 Southport Waterfront & Downtown Flotilla at dusk – bring a chair, a thermos, and zero bah-humbugs.

Come watch the Cape Fear sparkle. Southport’s ready to make you believe in Christmas magic again, one twinkling boat at a time. ⚓🎄✨

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5% off for customers age 60+ every Wednesday.

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Spread Some Holiday Magic: Where to Donate Toys in Wake County This December!

December's here, and nothing says "ho ho ho" like clearing out that toy chest to make a kid's eyes light up on Christmas morning. In Wake County, NC, you've got tons of easy-drop spots to donate new or gently used toys (unwrapped, please!) to brighten holidays for families in need. From hospitals to nonprofits, here's your quick guide to giving back—because one person's clutter is another's new favorite adventure.

Toys for Tots – The Classic Marine Corps Magic Drop off new, unwrapped toys at collection sites across Raleigh, including Bass Pro Shops (801 Bass Pro Ln, Cary), Firestone Complete Auto Care (multiple locations), and the Marine Corps Reserve Center (3115 Capital Blvd, Raleigh). They distribute to kids in Wake and surrounding counties—aim for deliveries by mid-December to hit the holiday rush. Pro tip: Check the interactive map for the nearest bin! Details: raleigh-nc.toysfortots.org

WakeMed Children's Hospital – Toys for Tiny Patients Got a stuffed animal or puzzle? Donate new toys and books during their holiday collection drives at WakeMed Raleigh (3000 New Bern Ave) or Cary Hospital (1900 Kildaire Farm Rd). These go straight to kids sidelined by illness—think chemo buddies and bedside cheer. Collections ramp up through December; call ahead for drop-off times. More info: wakemed.org/giving/ways-to-give/holiday-toy-donations

Raleigh Dream Center – Pass the Joy Toy Drive Support their Adopt-A-Block Christmas events by dropping new $12 toys (wrapped or unwrapped) at 6325 Falls of Neuse Rd, Suite 35-409, Raleigh, weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. until December 10. They're aiming to serve 2,500 families with meals and gifts—perfect for dolls, trucks, or games for ages 0-12. Bonus: Food donations welcome too! Learn more: raleighdreamcenter.org/passthejoy

Salvation Army Angel Tree – Adopt-a-Child Vibes Pick an "angel" tag from trees at local Walmarts, Targets, or the Salvation Army HQ (1325 S Saunders St, Raleigh), shop for the listed toys, and return wrapped by early December (deadlines vary by site). It's a hands-on way to fulfill specific wishes for Wake County kids. Full scoop: Search "Salvation Army Wake County Angel Tree" or visit salvationarmyusa.org

Raleigh Rescue Mission – Pride for Parents Sale Donate new or gently used toys at their drop-off center (600 S. Person St, Raleigh) to stock the Pride for Parents event, where low-income families shop affordably. Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m. through December—instills dignity while spreading joy. Details: raleighrescue.org/giving-the-gift-of-giving

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Drive – Local Love in the North Contribute toys or cash to partner programs like Shop with a Cop via drop boxes at Town Hall (301 S. Brooks St, Wake Forest) or online through December 31. Funds buy toys for 30+ kids shopping with police officers—small-town cheer at its finest. Info: wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-cares

Whether it's a quick drop or a shopping spree for tags, your donation could be the highlight of a child's holiday. Dig through those bins, wrap up the warmth, and watch the ripple of kindness spread—Wake County's got the spirit, and you can fuel it! Need more spots? Hit up local fire stations or libraries for pop-up drives. Merry giving! 🎁✨

Filling Hearts and Pantries: Where Families Can Donate Food in Wake County Right Now

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday crunch in full swing, families across Wake County are stepping up to combat rising food insecurity—especially after SNAP benefits paused for over 82,000 residents this November. If your fridge is overflowing with canned goods or you're clearing out the pantry, here's your quick guide to drop-off spots open today (November 26, 2025). Focus on non-perishables like canned veggies, pasta, peanut butter, and tuna—unwrapped and unexpired, please. It's easy, impactful, and the perfect way to spread some post-Turkey Day cheer.

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina – The Big Drop Hub Head to their Raleigh warehouse for a no-fuss unload: Back your car into the bays at 1924 Capital Blvd., and staff will help sort it all. Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (call 919-255-0180 to confirm). They're distributing to pantries county-wide, including holiday meal kits—your cans could feed a family through Christmas. Details: foodbankcenc.org/ways-to-give/donate-food

The Salvation Army of Wake County – Quick Weekday Drop-Offs Swing by the Judy D. Zelnak Center of Hope at 1863 Capital Blvd., Raleigh (near the Food Bank—double duty!). Drop non-perishables Mon-Thu 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or Fri 8 a.m.–2 p.m. They pack weekly bags for 50+ families and serve hot meals daily—your donation keeps the kitchen humming through the holidays. More info: salvationarmy.org/wake/food-pantry

Wake Relief – Downtown Raleigh Convenience At 4 N. Blount St., Raleigh, drop off canned goods and staples Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. They provide full week's groceries to families in crisis—think easy access right off I-40 for a speedy stop. Bonus: They're partnering with holiday drives for extra reach. Visit: wakerelief.org (check site for updates)

Carolina Cares NC Food Pantry – Volunteer-Led Love This 100% volunteer spot at their Raleigh location (contact for exact address via site) accepts donations Mon-Fri by appointment—email [email protected] to arrange. They serve Wake County families with emergency bags, no questions asked, and welcome holiday extras like stuffing mix. Get involved: carolinacaresnc.org

The Hemp Store – Multi-Location November Blitz For northern Wake folks: Drop at 1002 Durham Rd #1100, Wake Forest or 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh—both open daily through Nov. 30 (hours at thehempstorenc.com). They're funneling everything to local pantries; grab a receipt for tax time! Link: thehempstorenc.com

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Drive – Northern Focus Support the Northern Community Food Security Team by donating online or mailing checks to Town Hall (301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest) through Dec. 31. Funds buy food for pantries and mobile markets—ideal if you're cash-strapped but want to help. Donate: wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-cares

Pro tip: With the federal shutdown lingering, pantries are busier than ever—call ahead to confirm hours and needs. For more options, Wake County's Food Drive Guide has a full list: wake.gov/foodsecurity. One bag of groceries can mean three meals for a family—your quick drop could be someone's holiday hero moment. Who's raiding the pantry with you today? Let's fill those shelves! 🥫❤️

Wake Forest Cares Holiday Drive (Ongoing Through Dec 31 – Daily)

Northern Wake's fave: Donate online/mail checks to Town Hall (301 S. Brooks St) for hunger relief, Shop with a Cop (Dec toy shopping for 30 kids), and utility aid. Supercharged with scratch-off prizes at downtown shops (1-in-3 win holiday swag!). Last year raised $7K—your $50 could light a home or fill a cart. Give now: wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-cares

More Ways to Help Brighten the Holidays with a Giving Tree

This December, Wake County’s Giving Tree projects are a simple way to make a big impact. Pick a tag from a local tree, buy the gift, and return it — and you’ll help a child, family, or senior in need enjoy the holidays.

Giving Trees aren’t just about gifts — they bring the community together, teach kindness, and spread joy. With many projects happening across Wake County, there’s no better time to share a little holiday cheer. Find Locations

The Custodian's Grand Farewell

At Lincoln Elementary in Santa Rosa, California, Manuel "Manny" Gonzalez had mopped more spills and fixed more wobbly desks than he could count over his 32 years on the job. The 68-year-old custodian, with his salt-and-pepper mustache and perpetual whistle of old mariachi tunes, was the unsung heartbeat of the school—a quiet fixer who slipped extra crayons into low-supply classrooms and always had a bandage for scraped knees. But when Manny announced his retirement in August 2024, the kids decided he deserved more than a cake in the staff lounge.

Word spread like wildfire through the playgrounds. Third-grader Lila Chen, 8, rallied her classmates with crayon-scrawled posters: "Manny's Our Hero!" On his last day, August 30, as the final bell rang, over 400 students poured into the courtyard, waving handmade signs and chanting his name. Teachers had coordinated a surprise: a giant banner strung between the flagpoles, photos of Manny's "greatest hits"—from the time he built a snow fort during recess to the playground picnic he hosted for shy new arrivals.

Manny froze in the doorway, toolbox dangling from his hand, tears carving tracks down his weathered cheeks. "Ay, mija," he said to Lila, pulling her into a bear hug, "you all made this old man feel like a king." The principal presented him with a custom wrench engraved "Lincoln's Fixer of Hearts," and as the crowd erupted, Manny danced a little jig, the kids joining in a conga line that snaked around the blacktop. Retiring to his garden in nearby Healdsburg, Manny now volunteers at the local library, telling stories to the next generation. "Those kids," he says with a wink, "taught me how to mend the biggest breaks."

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

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