Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How 1,200 Cincinnati families are getting Christmas dinner this year

Coming up: Michael Marcagi on the Cincinnati Patch calendar

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Good morning Cincinnati! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How 1,200 Cincinnati families are getting Christmas dinner this year
  • How an Oakley family is starting over after a devastating fire
  • How much will Cincinnati shoppers really pay to return gifts now?

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Cincinnati, OH on Dec 19, 2025 and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Windy and much colder, with a high of 33 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and warmer, temps: high: 54, low: 30.
  • Sunday: Sunny and colder, with a high of 40 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. St. Vincent de Paul gives 1,200 Christmas meal kits to Hamilton County families (wcpo.com) — In Cincinnati, St. Vincent de Paul just handed out 1,200 Christmas meal kits to Hamilton County families, with help from hundreds of local volunteers at the Neyer Outreach Center. Each kit includes a main dish, produce, canned goods, and dessert mix, and organizers stress that anyone needing holiday food is welcome to come by for a warm meal and a friendly smile.
   

2. Oakley family rebuilds for the holidays after fire destroys home (fox19.com) — A young family in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood lost everything when a fire tore through their Brotherton Road apartment, causing an estimated $200,000 in damage, according to the Cincinnati Fire Department. Everyone escaped safely, but they’re now scrambling to find permanent housing and have launched a GoFundMe to help rebuild their lives just days before Christmas.
   

3. Return policies get pricier for holiday shoppers this year (wcpo.com) — Cincinnati shoppers are being warned that many major retailers now charge new return, shipping, and restocking fees just days before Christmas, making impulse buys more expensive to undo. A financial planner outlines which chains are adding charges and offers practical tips—like returning in person, using free drop-off options, and joining loyalty programs—to help locals avoid surprise costs.
   

4. Cincinnati ICE agent charged with strangulation now faces federal charge (wvxu.org) — A Cincinnati-based ICE official is facing a new federal charge after an alleged domestic violence incident led to accusations he lied to a Homeland Security investigator about contact with his partner. He’s being held on a federal detainer, suspended from his ICE role, and is due in downtown Cincinnati federal court Dec. 22 while local prosecutors outline a history of police calls to his residences.
   

5. Cincinnati Reds mourn death of retired NASCAR driver Biffle after plane crash (wlwt.com) — Cincinnati Reds fans are learning that the team is mourning NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who died with family members in a plane crash in North Carolina. Biffle visited Great American Ball Park in May, throwing out a ceremonial first pitch, and the Reds shared a heartfelt public condolence as federal investigators review what caused the crash.
   

📸 Around Cincinnati

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cincinnati

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 20
  • Michael Marcagi
    The Andrew J Brady Music Center, 25 Race St, Cincinnati
    7:00 pm

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Other local events

📣 Cincinnati Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Our soft coated wheaten terrier Murphy, went missing around 3:30 today.
    She is blonde colored and is skiddish. Respond on this thread. Located near the top of Wagner near Locust corner. Any info would be appreciated. (Nextdoor Legendary Run)
  • Just popping in to say hi, and send hugs to all that need one.
    I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and has a very happy, healthy, New Year. (Nextdoor Mt. Healthy)
  • Crane Aerospace & Electronics, Inc. posted a job opening for Shipping and Receiving Clerk in Cincinnati. Apply here.
  • Carrols Corporation posted a job opening for Team Member in Cincinnati. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cincinnati here.

Ok Cincinnati! 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 think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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