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🌱 Patch AM: How Durham neighbors replaced stolen hygiene supplies for local students in need

And check out A 2025 Holiday Sketch Show — Live Calendar on the Durham Patch calendar

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Greetings Durham! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Durham neighbors replaced stolen hygiene supplies for local students in need
  • Were your NC-55 neighborhood cars hit in Durham’s latest break-ins?
  • How many new emergency beds will open in Durham this winter?

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Trivia Night and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Durhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Durhamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Rain and drizzle in the p.m., with a high of 58 and low of 53 degrees.
  • Friday: A stray morning shower; windy, temps: high: 63, low: 29.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 54 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WellCare delivers nearly 300 hygiene products to Durham schools after donation theft (cbs17.com) — Hundreds of hygiene items stolen from a Durham Public Schools donation closet have now been fully replaced, with more on the way, ensuring students and families can access basics like soap and deodorant. Health insurer WellCare of North Carolina and local residents stepped up quickly, and neighbors are invited to keep donations coming to the Bacon Street site and First Calvary Baptist Church.
   

2. Police offering up to $2,000 reward for info on series of Durham car break-ins (cbs17.com) — Durham police are investigating a wave of late-night car break-ins near NC-55 and are offering up to $2,000 for tips that lead to arrests. Residents are urged to review security footage, report suspicious activity immediately, and follow specific safety steps like locking cars, hiding valuables, and avoiding leaving firearms in vehicles.
   

3. Durham Expands Shelter Options for Frigid Winter Nights (indyweek.com) — Durham is nearly quadrupling emergency “white flag” shelter beds this winter, adding more than 70 new spots through partnerships with churches and nonprofits so unhoused neighbors can stay safe on freezing nights. A new 100 Days of Warmth campaign, hotline, and expanded sites like Union Baptist Church aim to coordinate beds, volunteers, and funding while leaders explore longer-term options like a day shelter and unused public buildings.
   

4. Durham city and county leaders launch Violence Reduction Plan (abc11.com) — Durham city and county leaders are launching a months-long Violence Reduction Plan, starting with public learning sessions at the Durham County Main Library. Residents, advocates, and national experts will help shape strategies tailored to Bull City neighborhoods, leading to workshops and a spring summit focused on concrete, community-driven ways to reduce gun violence locally.
   

5. 4 displaced after house fire on Duke Street in Durham, department says (cbs17.com) — Four adults are displaced after a Wednesday afternoon house fire on North Duke Street in Durham, though firefighters knocked down the blaze in under 15 minutes and no injuries were reported. Durham Fire Department, Durham County EMS, police, and utility crews all responded, and the Red Cross is now helping those forced from their home while investigators determine the cause.
   

📸 Around Durham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anybody missing this baby?
    He is off of Carver st and has been outside crying all night. If he is yours message me and I will send you the address. (Nextdoor Eno River)
  • LOST KITTY!
    Near American Village Playground. Boris, a male tuxedo kitty who is supposed to be an indoor kitty but desperately wants to be an outdoor kitty, got… (Nextdoor American Village)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Durham. Apply here.
  • Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. posted a job opening for Service Coordinator in Durham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Durham here.

Ok Durham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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