🌱 Toy Drive For Tornado Victims + 3 STL Zoo Elephants Turn 50

Hey, St. Louis! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in St. Louis.

First, today's weather:

Cooler; rain in the afternoon. High: 41 Low: 38.

Here are the top stories today in St. Louis:

1. The St. Louis Guns ‘N Hoses Boxing Association is hosting a toy drive for children in Kentucky after devastating tornadoes across the state left 74 people dead on Friday. The drive will take place from Dec. 16-19 at Dave Mungenast Honda at 5939 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The organization is asking for donations of new unwrapped toys or $25 gift cards. (KMOV.com)
2. Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed in north St. Louis County Wednesday night. St. Louis County police responding to a shooting call on Torii Drive discovered a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim's identity has not yet been released by police. He was taken to a hospital for treatment but died from his injuries. (KSDK.com)
3. Three elephants at the St. Louis Zoo are celebrating their milestone 50th birthdays this year. The Asian elephants, Pearl, Donna, and Ellie, have all lived past the median life expectancyof 47.5 years old for Asian elephant females living under human care. The zoo says the elephants are now considered geriatric and may require specialized medical care. (KMOV.com)

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From my notebook:

• As of Dec. 15, 2021, the State of Missouri reports that 7.587 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to state residents, including 544,519 doses to St. Charles County residents. (Nextdoor)
• Tornadoes and severe storms caused $3.4 million in damages across St. Charles County on Friday night. (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Helen Eckhard

About me: Helen Eckhard is a marketing assistant at Lightning Media Partners. She is a self-professed logophile who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in library science. Outside of work, you can find Helen constructing crossword puzzles, knitting, or devising increasingly crafty ways to kill off characters in her mystery novels.