Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Where to find — and support — Wilmington’s cold-weather warming shelters

You won't want to miss Holiday Market at the Wilmington Farmers Market on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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Hi Wilmington! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Where to find — and support — Wilmington’s cold-weather warming shelters
  • Why Wilmington’s largest community garden is suddenly losing its home
  • Where Wilmington’s homeless can get free laundry and a little dignity

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Market at the Wilmington Farmers Market and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 57 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunshine, temps: high: 65, low: 47.
  • Sunday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 54 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Warming Shelter set to open for first time this season (whqr.org) — Wilmington’s Warming Shelter ILM will open Sunday and Monday nights as temperatures plunge, offering safe overnight space at two downtown churches for people experiencing homelessness. Single women, families, and car sleepers will go to Purpose Church International, while men and couples will stay at Grace United Methodist, with organizers urgently seeking donations and volunteers to meet rising demand.
   

2. Wilmington's Willowdale Farm set to close after losing lease (whqr.org) — Willowdale Farm, a major community garden site on North 30th Street, is closing after losing its lease from Wilmington First Pentecostal Holiness Church, and organizers are urgently seeking new land. Community Enrichment Initiatives hopes to relocate near food-insecure neighborhoods and is calling for land offers, volunteers, donations, and storage space to keep its fresh-produce work going.
   

3. Mobile laundry service provides dignity for Wilmington's homeless (wect.com) — A mobile laundry trailer in downtown Wilmington is giving people experiencing homelessness a chance to wash their clothes for free every Tuesday and Wednesday. Run by Catholic Charities staffer Layla Perez and volunteers, the Clean Start trailer sits between the Harrelson Center and First Baptist Church, offering clean clothes, basic hygiene support, and a weekly boost of dignity.
   

4. Cha-ching! These Wilmington-area residents hit the lottery jackpot in 2025 (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Several Wilmington residents hit big North Carolina Education Lottery prizes this year, with winnings ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. Locals used their jackpots for goals like buying homes, paying off cars, investing, and travel, with many winning tickets sold at familiar Wilmington spots such as Harris Teeter, Circle K, Scotchman, and Han-Dee Hugo’s.
   

5. Wilmington Police K9 to receive donated body armor (wect.com) — Wilmington Police Department K-9 Kraken is getting a donated bullet- and stab-resistant vest, sponsored by local residents Sally and Bill Holliday. The custom-fitted armor, expected within 10 weeks, comes from national nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, which has outfitted thousands of police dogs nationwide and is inviting donations to support more vests.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lightbridge Academy Celebrates Groundbreaking in Indian Land, SC —Zoey Brooks Read on Patch
  • Beware of scammers.
    I have an item on Nextdoor's for sale area. I received a DM from a Pat F. Interested in buying my item. They requested to pay by Venmo or Zelle. … (Nextdoor Scotts Hill)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 11, 2025 in Wilmington, NC 28405 near Five Oaks Nursery Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor NW Northchase)
  • BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA Dec 11 Climate: High: 54 Low: 42 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_ilm)
  • On Thursday, the North Carolina State Capitol and Governor Josh Stein will host their annual tree-lighting ceremony. From 5-6:45., public safety... (X: RaleighGov)
  • SBM Management posted a job opening for Custodian in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Burlington posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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