🌱 Man Donates Holiday Bonus + Lake Carolina Kayaker Missing

Happy Monday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Columbia today.

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First, today's weather:

Areas of morning fog. High: 72 Low: 60.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Columbia today:

1. A Columbia man used his holiday bonus check to buy clothes for foster children across the Midlands. Zachary Neal reached out to Epworth Children's Home in Columbia to ask about the current supply needs for the foster children they serve before purchasing $570 worth of socks, hats, gloves, and underwear for the organization. The program's communications specialist, Teddi Garrick, says the clothes will be put into Resource Closets across the state. (ColaDaily.com)
2. Authorities are searching for a kayaker who went missing on Lake Carolina on Christmas morning. The 20-year-old man was reported missing after he left his parents' home on the lake to paddle and never returned. The search group did recover a kayak and paddle on Saturday but has not yet found the missing person. (WLTX.com)
3. South Carolina wildlife officials are planning to release thousands of trout into the Saluda River near Columbia. The trout, which are raised at the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County, will be dropped by helicopter into the river from December through February. Wildlife agents advise that anyone who catches a fish in this area must release it. (Charlotte Observer)

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From my notebook:

• A community donor gave 40 smoked hams and 40 smoked turkeys to Transitions Homeless Center, and Sharing God's Love Crisis Ministry also donated food items during a holiday season of generous giving. (Facebook)
• The South Carolina State Museum will end its run of the 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4-D" experience next weekend. (Facebook)
• PETSinc rescues are hosting a Year-End Match Challenge, and any gift up to $20,000 will be matched by generous donors. (Facebook)

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

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.