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Community Corner

🌱 Mecca & Ruckus Help Community + Howling Cow Recall

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Chocolate Covered Anything Day Raleigh!

First, today's weather:

Fog in the a.m.; partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. Two local restaurants have committed to helping those in need this holiday season. Mecca, one of Raleigh's oldest restaurants opened its doors on Wednesday and gave all tips to the Salvation Army. (abc11) Ruckus Pizza is also giving back, in the form of thousands of dollars in gift cards. Ruckus is partnering with local schools to ensure that the gift cards reach families who need help the most. (abc11)
  2. UNC Rex and The Blood Connection have joined the first national blood-reserve organization 'Blood Emergency Readiness Corp.' The BERC organization's participating blood centers commit to collecting extra blood units on a rotating "on-call" schedule to be used in critical-need scenarios. Currently extra units of blood are being sent to aid the Midwest in the tornado aftermath. (abc11)
  3. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina was able to distribute 7 million meals to those in need during the month of November. The food bank serves 34 counties and although their volunteer numbers have been down lately, they were able to distribute the record breaking number of meals. (WNCT9)
  4. Two Florida residents were arrested in Raleigh in September and were scheduled to appear in court yesterday to be formally charged with human trafficking among other crimes. Tempie Mitchell and Antwon Frager are accused of coercing a 17-year-old girl into performing acts with subjects not known to her over the course of several days. The girl has since been returned to her home. (WRAL)
  5. Howling Cow Butter Almond Ice Cream Pints are being recalled across the Carolinas due to undeclared allergen information. The recall was announced without indication of any illnesses reported, but those with allergy or sensitivity to soy or wheat run the risk of serious to life-threatening reactions. (WRAL)

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Today in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • This National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, you should take a trip over to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! It has an awesome assortment of things dipped in chocolate.
  • Parkside Restaurant is hosting its 4th annual Toy Drive to benefit the Wake Med Children's Hospital today from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
  • Vance Elementary School is hosting a Holiday Cheer Drive Thru at their carpool loop from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm tonight.
  • It's Pet Night with Santa at Triangle Town Center! Bring your pup from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm to get a shot with ol' Saint Nick.

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— CJ Fullford

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