Wake Forest is a community that cares. As consistently as sunrise, our citizens contribute their time, talents and resources to help neighbors in need or support worthwhile causes that make a lasting difference. In recognition of this wonderful legacy, the Town of Wake Forest is excited to launch “Wake Forest Cares.” Moving forward, all Town-sponsored programs and events designed to help a neighbor or address a community need will be highlighted as a “Wake Forest Cares” initiative. A few examples include the Wake Forest Police Department’s Turkey Drive and Shop with a Cop, the Town’s Adopt-A-Stream and Adopt-A-Trail initiatives, and Wake Forest Power’s H.O.P.E. program – just to name a few. An equally important part of “Wake Forest Cares” is an annual donation drive to raise funds for select community non-profits. For our inaugural Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive, area residents and businesses are invited to contribute online at www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-cares to one

The Wake Forest Area Chamber is sponsoring its first online auction to support local businesses while raising funds for the work of the Chamber. “Many businesses and non-profits have struggled during this pandemic,” said Ann Welton, Chamber president. “We’re excited to produce this virtual event so our community can shop locally while also supporting the Chamber.” “The 12 Days of Shopping Holiday Auction,” is a virtual event and will be open from December 1 through 12. Participants register, and then can bid on items throughout the 12 days. At the close of the auction, the highest bidder wins the item. “There’s been a groundswell of support,” added Carol Fekaris, Chamber event specialist. “Donations are coming in from all corners of Wake Forest. We have gifts, experiences, services, and gift cards – all of which will make great holiday presents!” Some local businesses, like banks or insurance companies, can’t donate a

Leslie Lee, a local realtor, is inviting friends and strangers to join her Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. in front of Black & White Coffee Roasters at 314 South Brooks Street with $20 bills in their hands and masks on their faces. They will go into the coffee shop for coffee and pastries, then proceed to other downtown shops and eateries, spreading $20 each around all downtown. “If a volunteer only spends say $17 on product, we ask they leave the balance of the $20 for tips for the service workers,” Lee said. “By doing this it gives small businesses an economic boost in the arm financially and helps them get recognition for their establishment. The volunteers feel good about helping the businesses and their community. It also keeps the money in Wake Forest.” #  

The Wake Forest Community Council will announce this year’s winners of the Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year, and Peggy Allen Lifetime Achievement Award during a special video presentation Monday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Typically, these awards are presented in person during the annual Community Christmas Dinner, but due to COVID-19, this year’s dinner has been canceled and the winners will be announced virtually on the Town of Wake Forest Facebook page. The Wake Forest Community Council is comprised of area civic, service, social, fraternal, religious and business organizations, as well as interested individuals and is dedicated to the communication of programs, events and needs of the community. The Council’s mission is to better promote, improve and preserve the Wake Forest lifestyle. “Every December, the Wake Forest Community Council celebrates and honors those who put the needs of the community above their own,” said Council Chair Frank Everitt. “This year is

The Town of Wake Forest has installed a “Letters for Santa” mailbox in Jones Plaza at the intersection of South White Street and East Jones Avenue. Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s Mailbox any time between now and Thursday, Dec. 24, for immediate delivery to the North Pole. No postage is required, but all letters should include a return address. In an effort to ensure the safety of Santa’s helpers who previously opened each letter individually, personal responses from Santa are not possible this year. However, the Town of Wake Forest is providing a letter from Santa that can be downloaded and personalized at https://bit.ly/WFLettersforSanta. #