🌱 Group Seeks Gift Donations + Complaint Against Local Lawyer Dropped

Hello, Charleston! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds and warmer. High: 60 Low: 46.

Business owners and marketers in Charleston: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Charleston today:

1. Uplift Charleston is seeking donations of wrapped gifts for its third annual Christmas Gifts for the Homeless drive. The drive will distribute gifts to the homeless in Charleston throughout the holiday weekend. Click the link to view the complete list of desired gift items and donation drop-off locations. (Live 5 News WCSC)
2. Federal prosecutors have dropped an ethics complaint against a Charleston lawyer. Prosecutors had initially accused David Aylor, a personal injury and criminal defense lawyer, of not properly safeguarding evidence in an alleged drug-related case. South Carolina Bar records indicate Aylor remains in good standing. (Charleston Post Courier)
3. More than a dozen Charleston charter school teachers participated in a walkout on Dec. 14 following the resignation of the school's administrator, Wayne Stevens. The walkout comes after staff reported disagreements between school staff and the charter school's board of directors. Stevens is reportedly the sixth administrator to resign from Charleston Advancement Academy High School since it was founded in 2018. (Charleston City Paper)

Today in Charleston:

• Brewery Bingo Night With Da Hotbox Burgers & Brats At Snafu Brewing Company (5:00 PM)
• Nutcracker! Magic Of Christmas Ballet At North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you need to run to the store on Christmas for a last-minute grocery trip, here's a list of grocery stores that will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Charleston area. (WCBD News 2)
• The 4th Annual Santa's Escort Ride by the Charleston Police Department was a success, thanks to many community partners! Charleston police escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus to deliver gifts and visit children throughout the city. (City of Charleston Police Department via Facebook)
• Are you looking for a way to give back to the community as the year draws to a close? Consider donating to Charleston Moves to help the organization reach its goal. Charleston Moves is an advocacy group to make transportation equal an accessible for everyone. (Charleston Moves via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.