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Community Corner

🌱Warming Shelter Demand All-Time High + Pets Adopted In Holiday Push

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Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Winter Solstice Raleigh!

It's going to be a long night. I myself plan to try to get some gift wrapping done, but who am I kidding, that's been my goal for the last two weeks. I'm already formulating the lie I will maintain through my children's upbringing about how Santa brings the presents unwrapped and asks us to wrap them, hence why they look so bad. Thankfully something that takes no skill or commitment is catching up on your city. Today your recap includes all the interesting details regarding:

  • The use of force in Hedingham apprehension deemed lawful.
  • Boxcar's Strikes Tournament
  • Money back for the food Bank of Central and Eastern NC

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 48 Low: 39.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman released a statement on Monday afternoon deeming that the use of force was lawful in the capture of the Hedingham shooting suspect. Freeman directed the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to close the criminal investigation into the use of force by law enforcement. The investigation into the shooting itself remains ongoing as investigators continue to search for a motive. (abc11, FOX8)
  2. Wake County warming shelters are in need of donations and volunteers, as the demand is at an all-time high. Both shelters have reached capacity the past couple nights and some nights they have had tor turn people away due to the lack of room. Many of the guests are working-class individuals who have jobs, but still cannot afford rising rent costs in the area. According to Mike Gauss with St. John's Metropolitan Community Church, inflation is to blame for the increased need and they are seeing far more children this year as well. (abc11)
  3. More than 90 animals have been adopted thus far during the Wake County Animal Center's holiday push for adoptions. According to an official with the center, more than 30 cats, 40 dogs and 10 kittens have been claimed in trial adoptions. The holiday push comes as the center has concerns of reaching critical capacity and needs to clear space at the shelter. The shelter still has 42 adoption-ready dogs and other small animals available, with more pets not yet ready to be adopted in the center's care. (WNCT9)
  4. Congresswoman Deborah Ross volunteered with Meals on Wheels on Tuesday to help provide senior citizens nutritious meals in time for Christmas. Tuesday's goal was to provide 1,400 meals to seniors living alone. In Wake County, volunteers with Meals on Wheels drive more than 250,000 miles each year to deliver food to housebound people, including nearly 400,000 lunches. According to Executive Director Alan Winstead, the biggest need for the organization is for volunteers. (CBS17)
  5. On Monday afternoon, the Wake County Sheriff's Office donated more than 300 items to the Salvation Army of Wake County's Angel Tree Program. The donations included bikes, toys and clothing of all sizes and will fulfill the wishes of 100 angels in the program. Newly-elected Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe says it is an honor to be a part of the annual contribution. Distribution for the Angel Tree Program kicked off yesterday, and runs through Thursday, December 22. (CBS17)

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Today in Raleigh:

Thursday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's the Winter Solstice and Southgate Community Library is hosting an event to celebrate the longest night of the year from 6:00pm-7:00pm.
  • Wake County will be collecting undecorated Christmas trees to make mulch for Happy Trails. (WakeGov)
  • The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer will be returning $2,515 in funds to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina as part of a campaign to reunite owners with their money. (abc12)
  • The newest Viv's Fridge location has been launched in Raleigh, outside of Wine Authorities on E. Franklin St. The fridges offer restaurant-quality appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts ranging in price from $20 to $65. (INDY Week, WRAL)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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