Good morning Wilmington!

Wilmington showed its heart this week. With packed tote bags, handmade stockings, and decorated gift bags, volunteers hit the road to make sure our homebound seniors felt remembered—and cherished—this Christmas.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Volunteers Bring Warmth to Wilmington’s Seniors

• As Temperatures Plunge, Warming Shelter ILM Expands Support for the Homeless

Delivering Christmas Love: Volunteers Bring Warmth to Wilmington’s Seniors

There are moments during the holiday season that remind us what generosity truly looks like—quiet acts of kindness carried out not for praise, but out of love for our neighbors. On Tuesday, December 9, volunteers from Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (MHC), along with the Wilmington Police Department and generous donations from Lowe’s Food Service and Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, delivered that love straight to the doorsteps of Wilmington’s seniors who can’t leave their homes.

With help from the Wilmington Housing Authority, MHC received a list of seniors—ages 80 to 99—who needed a little extra warmth this season. Volunteers packed large Christmas tote bags overflowing with fresh produce, applesauce, oatmeal, raisins, mac and cheese, potatoes, cereal, soups—an abundance meant to nourish both body and spirit. A second bag, donated by Lowe’s Foods and filled by MHC, added bread, meat, cheese, and other essentials.

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church contributed handmade Christmas stockings, each stuffed with hygiene items, socks, and a handwritten scripture—small reminders that no one is forgotten. And in a touching tradition now four years strong, the Wilmington Police Department supplied decorated gift bags, donated gloves and candy, and even sent 19 off-duty officers to personally deliver every bundle of kindness.

In all, 50 large bags and 50 small bags made their way into the homes—and hearts—of local seniors.

But the need doesn’t disappear when Christmas ends. MHC urgently needs food, hygiene items, paper bags, plastic bags, and—most importantly—volunteers. Even one donated can of soup or one hour of time can change someone’s week.

If you feel moved to help, please reach out:
📧 Barney: [email protected]
📧 Jocelyn: [email protected]

Your kindness can be the gift someone has been waiting for.

Warming Shelter ILM Opens Doors as Wilmington Braces for Coldest Night Yet

As Wilmington prepares for its coldest night of the season on Sunday, The Warming Shelter ILM is stepping up by opening two warming locations—one on Sixth Street and another on Grace Street. Those needing refuge can check in at 5 PM Sunday and stay through 9 AM Tuesday. The nonprofit, dedicated to protecting the homeless community during dangerously cold weather, is currently seeking donations such as coffee, sleeping bags, clothing, and backpacks to support guests throughout the cold snap.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

A Burgaw man won $100,000 in the Powerball after purchasing a $3 ticket that matched four white balls and the red Powerball. With the 2X Power Play multiplier, his $50,000 prize doubled, and after taxes, he received $71,751. WECT

Southport will experience road closures Friday evening for the ‘Light Up the Night Christmas Parade.’ Howe Street and sections of Bay Street will close to allow parade participants to line up, with the parade starting at 6:30 p.m. and traffic being diverted to nearby streets. WWAY

What You Should Know

The U.S. plans to require visa-waiver travelers from countries like Britain and France to submit up to five years of social media history, along with extensive personal information, as part of a proposed border screening update. The measure, filed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, would expand existing data collection beyond current Electronic System for Travel Authorization requirements, drawing criticism from the travel industry for potentially discouraging international visitors. The New York Times

South Carolina’s measles outbreak is rapidly accelerating, with 111 cases in the Upstate region—most involving unvaccinated individuals—and more than 250 people placed in quarantine. Health officials warn that low vaccination rates and recent travel are fueling the spread, raising concerns that the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status as national cases climb across 42 states. MSN

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying he “will be next soon” as the U.S. expands its anti–drug trafficking efforts following the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. Trump accused Colombia of high drug production and suggested Petro could be removed from power if he doesn’t “wise up,” escalating tensions between the two nations. The Express

What Might Surprise You

The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance as his attorneys argued to restrict media access, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty and a judge navigating concerns that extensive coverage could jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial. AP News

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