🌱Donations Still Needed For Toys For Tots + Will Jung Making Band Fun

Welcome back, Myrtle Beach! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's Daily, we have these stories and more...

• With Christmas less than 10 days away donations are still being accepted.
• Making band fun again!
• Real-life Grinch stole in Surfside Beach.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 57 Low: 38.

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Here are the top five stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. Christmas is less than 10 days away, so News13 has teamed up with Toys for Tots to help those in need this holiday season in Horry County. According to WBTW, "Toys for Tots organizers said there’s a great need for donations for babies, 9- to 12-year-olds and teenagers. Wyman Wise State Farm in Little River and Myrtle Beach is a proud collection site partner this year. He said it’s humbling to see his fellow community members open their hearts for such a good cause. Wise said he’s encouraging his team, neighbors, community members and clients to help spread cheer to those less fortunate this year. The collection box [is]inside his Myrtle Beach office on 44th Avenue North. This year’s toy drive is also sponsored by the Shepherd’s Table, East Coast Honda, America’s Furniture Warehouse and The Maguire Law Firm." (WBTW)
2. Will Jung, Socastee High School's band director, continues to grow the school's program into a robust instrumental asset. According to Myhorrynews, "Since last academic year, Jung’s work has gone beyond the classroom to build up the school’s marching band and encourage future high school students to be a part of the band. In fact, he’s doubled the size of the marching band and this year it placed 11th overall during the Lower State championships. "(Myhorrynews)
3. According to wpde.com, "Horry County Government posted to Facebook to share an update on the Ride 3 Middle Ridge Avenue extension project. The county said they are making progress and are on course to meet the expected completion [in mid-December]. They have 73% of the base material installed and 44% of the storm drainage completed. They are closer to their goal of providing an alternative parallel route for Highway 501 to help reduce traffic and allow drivers get to their destinations."(wpde.com)
4. A real-life Grinch allegedly stole a donation box from a local bakery recently. According to wpde.com, "Police responded to a report of a burglary that happened at Benjamin’s Bakery on Thursday around 4:45 a.m. Initial reports indicate that an unidentified male entered the business at 3:43 a.m. by smashing the glass in the front door. Once inside the business, the suspect reportedly stole a donation bucket that contained an undisclosed amount of cash from the front counter. The Surfside Beach Police Dept. is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the male. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Colleen Kehoe at 843-913-6356 or the Surfside Beach Police Dept. at 843-913-6368, option 1.(wpde.com)
5. According to a press release from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber Of Commerce, Susan Giaquinto was promoted to controller of the finance division. She will act as the finance division’s lead accountant responsible for financial record keeping, regulatory compliance and expanding financial strategic initiatives that provide executive management with the information needed to help guide decisions. (Press Release Desk)

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Myrtle Beach pic of the day:

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Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Holly Jolly Christmas Festival at First Baptist Compton Life Center (9:00 AM)
• Breakfast with Santa - Town of Surfside Beach (9:00 AM)
• Wonderful Winter Festival at La Belle Amie featuring Julio & the Saltine Duo (12:30 PM)
• Christmas Golf Cart Parade - Town of Surfside Beach (1:00 PM)
• The Carolina Opry Christmas Special Matinee (1:00 PM)
• Full STEAM Ahead Camp - Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach (1:30 PM)
• Pets Light Up Our Lives (6:30 PM)
• The Carolina Opry Christmas Special (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "The holidays are in full swing here at The Beach. So while you're wrapping those presents and dreaming of a beachy holiday, enter your information below for the chance to win a personalized message from Santa Claus! https://woobox.com/wcddb2" (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• South Carolina Stingrays: "Stingrays players and Front Office had a great time volunteering with the @salvationarmychs Angel Tree Program! Shoutout to our partners who also came out to volunteer!" (South Carolina Stingrays via Instagram)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport: "It's been one year since we announced the exciting news that "Santa Paws" was coming to town with the launch of our P.E.T.S (Pups Easing Travel Stress) therapy dog program. Since then, our "pack" has grown to 8 pups, providing countless grown to 8 pups, providing countless smiles and stress relief to thousands of travelers at MYR. None of this would be possible without our pawesome volunteer team, to whom we are incredibly grateful." (Myrtle Beach International Airport via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Stray intake 12-15-22. Male found in Baron Ln NMB. Please remember these animals are not up for adoption yet. The purpose of these posts are to reunite lost pets with their owners. Animals will be held for five days to allow an owner time to allow an owner time to reclaim them.." (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Do some holiday shopping for a good cause! Christmas will be here before you know it! Our merch will look great under your tree or make the purrfect stocking stuffer! We have shirts, hats, calendars, and more!" (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: "We are searching for the ultimate sports fan! Submit a photo showing your school spirit for the chance to win a weekend getaway to The Beach. https://bit.ly/3dKFzqZ" (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon: "Early bird pricing!! This was such a fun race! Go ahead and register for next year! *Additional discounts for multi-family/group registrations available online!" (Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon via Instagram)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: "Today’s featured #PetOfTheDay is Simon! His adoption fee is being sponsored by Heavenly Paws Pet Crematory. Simon was surrendered to us last year when his mom fell on extremely hard times. He was bottled fed as a puppy and has grown up to be the most loyal companion, and at times, he can still act like a baby. " (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my small-town community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Daily? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com