🌱 Santa's Escort Gift Collection + Bat Confirmed To Have Rabies

Morning, neighbors. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Charleston Daily — here to impart all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 77 Low: 60.

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Charleston! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Charleston:

1. The Charleston Police Department is collecting holiday gifts for its annual "Santa's Escort" ride. The annual event will be on Dec. 14. The department will be escorting Santa Claus through the city to drop off the gifts at the Ronald McDonald House and Fisher House. Click for information on how to donate holiday gifts for the event. (WCBD News 2)
2. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed that a Charleston bat has tested positive for rabies. The bat was located near Meeting Street and John Street. So far, one person has been exposed to the bat. Residents are reminded to never handle a bat or wild animal — alive or dead — with bare hands. (The Times and Democrat)
3. A new report by Navy Federal Credit Union has recognized Charleston as the best city for military veterans. The report compared cities throughout the country on a number of different factors to determine which locations offer the best services for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The city also ranked fourth on the list of best cities for military families. Click to review the full report. (WCBD News 2)

Patch deal of the day:

If you're buying in bulk, shopping for the holidays or just looking for the travel discounts, a Sam's Club Membership is definitely worth a second look. Members can take advantage of major savings of groceries, kitchen supplies, electronics and more — plus save up to 60 percent on hotel accommodations around the world. For a limited time, Patch members can pay just $24.99 for a 1-year Sam's Club Membership (normally $50). In many cases, your membership will pay for itself in a single shopping trip. Sign up today and start saving.

(The Patch Deals team scours the web for deals we think you'll love; we may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

Today in Charleston:

• Health and Wellness Advisory Committee With The City of Charleston Through Zoom (9:00 AM)
• Kid Tours: Spies At The Charleston Museum (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Here's an updated list of the latest properties in the Charleston area to hit the market. Click to view prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Charleston Patch)
• The Charleston County Public Library is reminding the community that early voting will continue through Nov. 5. Four library branches are acting as polling locations. Click to learn more. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)
• Charleston County will be assisting residents with their tax bills at Charleston County Public Library branches. Click for the full schedule. (Charleston County Public Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next 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.