Just as many folks have Christmas leftovers in the refrigerator, we have a few holiday leftovers here as well.
Wiling Hands Ministries served more than 500 plates last week as part of their free Christmas dinner. This was the second time the group of volunteers has taken over the parking lot at Murf’s Pawn in Whiteville. They served around the same number of plates at their Thanksgiving dinnber in Novembver.
The annual Community Christmas Dinner serving Columbus and Horry counties dished out more than 10,000 plates this year through five locations in both counties. The all-volunteer program has been serving the community for 35 years.
And one last note from the original Whiteville Santa Claus – he dropped by the other day to tell us that this was the biggest year since at least 1972 for visitors at Santa’s house. Among the oldest guests to see the local jolly old elf was an 89 year old Korean War veteran who came all the way from Shallotte Point. Santa told us how he appreciates all the kids going above and beyond the call of duty this year, and he hopes they continue to be as good next year.
When the festivities finish up next week, start the new year off on the right foot. Join park ranger Emily for the first DAY HIKE on New Year’s Day from 1-2 at the Lake Waccamaw State Park. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. The park hopes to start a new tradition with the easy-paced, fun, informative hike. Meet at the visitor’s center at 12:30.
All government offices will be closed Monday for New Year’s Day.
Columbus Animal Protective Services has dropped adoption fees to $20 per animal through February. That price does not include the spay and neuter voucher. The shelter is closed today and Monday. After the holidays, APS will be open for adoptions from 10 until 4 Monday through Friday.
APS had their hands full just before Christmas with a runaway ram in Tabor City. The wayward wooly was returned to his family just in time for Christmas.
One of the favorite stories around the county came in after our broadcast deadline. Biggie has a new home. The longest resident of Columbus Animal Protective Services went to his new home Friday. Biggie was at the shelter from Nov. 1 until Dec. 29.
If the end of the Christmas holidays has you looking for something to do, we can help with that. After the first of the year, look for the “Do Some Good” at columbuscountynews.com. It will be a listing like classified ads – except it will have opportunities to help in your community. Like all the content at CCN, it’s free to readers and folks who submit volunteer opportunities. You can list your volunteer group, or share your own contact information and what you’re interested in doing in your spare time.
It will be your responsibility to be sure that a volunteer or organization is right for you. We have a lot of needs and a lot of opportunities to fill those needs in our county. We also have a lot of very loving, caring folks who ain’t afraid to help a neighbor or even a stranger. Keep an eye out and find out how you can “Do Some Good” after the first of the year.
We always have room for your church news, civic club activities, family milestones, pageant winners, concerts, good deeds, little kids with big fish, or happy news of any kind, and there’s never a charge. Email jeffersonweaver@Columbuscountynews.com.
