🌱 Toys For Tots Donation + Partial Building Collapse Injury

Good morning, Birmingham! Before we share our usual roundup of what's happening around town, here's something special to check out today — especially for those of us wanting to look and feel our best throughout the holiday season.

We asked Laura Silsbee, a Mountain Brook native and wellness expert, to help us find the best activities and beauty deals happening in and around Birmingham in December. She has some amazing finds — including teeth whitening, IV cocktail therapy, and even pre-cooked holiday meals. Check out her Birmingham Patch Wellness Guide for December here.

And now, on to today's news!

But first, the weather:

A couple of morning showers. High: 68 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. Birmingham's Diversified Energy Company has donated $51,900 to Toys for Tots. The donation was announced by the natural gas production company on Friday during an event. Diversified Energy Company also donated a collection of toys to the program. Jefferson County Toys for Tots coordinator Sgt. Frankie Toledo was present at the event. (Alabama's News Leader)
2. Birmingham's Dez Wilson has gone viral for his unique digital art. Wilson's art is inspired by Netflix's "Wednesday," a show based on "The Addams Family." Wilson created the images through AI software and photoshop. He has started selling the art with proceeds going toward his nonprofit, Black Arts Academy. (WVTM13 Birmingham)
3. A person was injured during a partial building collapse on Thursday. The individual was alert and conscious at the scene on 25th Street North and Walnut Hill Circle. The collapse occurred at a construction site during demolition. (WVTM13 Birmingham)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Birmingham:

• UAB Toy Drive At University Of Alabama At Birmingham (All Day)
• Department Of Music Faculty Recital At Hulsey Recital Hall (4:00 PM)
• Magical Nights: Vulcan's Holiday Experience At Vulcan Park And Museum (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Birmingham's Ja'Khael has been recognized for his persistent teamwork while playing football. Want to recognize a local student who goes above and beyond? Click to nominate a student for the Patch Star Student Athlete initiative. (Patch)
• The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department has opened a new fire station. The new station cost over $12.3 million to construct. It is a 17,548-square-foot facility that has four apparatus bays, an exercise room, a decontamination room, and two offices. Click to view the photos. (Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department via Facebook)
• The Birmingham Public Library's new deputy director is Ka’ryn Davis-West. Congratulations! (Birmingham Public Library via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (December 6)
• Side by Side Community Chorus Christmas Benefit Concert (December 6)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox Monday morning with a new update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.