FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

A local woman's dreams of opening her own restaurant came true in the New River Valley, and she even made history in the process.

Dedicating his life to serving others, a VMI cadet and freshman soccer player has been selected to represent an organization that helps service men and women.

A popular local artist known for her colorful paintings of Southwest Virginia landscapes got a big break with a feature in a Southern Living Magazine.

After being trapped in a storm drain since Saturday, seven ducklings are now safe thanks to quick work from a Roanoke City Animal Control Officer.

A dog that's proven to be a life-changing partner is helping her owner once more.

A Pulaski County boy makes teachers smile after hosting a drive to collect dozens of school supplies.

Southwest Virginia is making a difference from thousands of miles away.

The Rockbridge County community is coming together to make sure none of their neighbors go hungry.

Let’s face it, running isn’t for all of us, but for a Danville man, it’s become his passion.

A show of love and support from half a world away, local students are supporting their teacher whose family is divided by the war in Ukraine.

Louise is a Goldendoodle that was born with knee issues that needs expensive surgery to correct. She was given to Vinton Veterinary hospital because her owners could not take care of her, so veterinarians there stepped in to help. They are holding a bake sale this weekend.

Thousands will head to Highland County this weekend for the 62nd annual Highland County Maple Festival.

Malik Willis has been impressing fans both on and off the field lately.

A tiny creature with an inspiring story that could help save other wildlife is making a big impact in Southwest Virginia.

By the time the woman came back inside to tell Graves she had left her wallet at home, Asia had already paid for her groceries--about $50 worth.

Hard times can't keep a good dog down. In your Feel Good Friday, we want to introduce you to a special pup that's overcome the odds.

Those iconic little red wagons from our childhood will soon be available to patients at local children’s hospitals. Radio Flyer launched their first design made specifically for children’s hospitals called the ‘Hero Wagon.’

An 8-year-old boy fighting cancer in a Pittsburgh hospital is receiving tons of love and patches from law enforcement agencies across the country.

Snow was perhaps the most common conversation topic in Southwest Virginia this week, and as adults we sometimes tend to focus on the roads, the power going out and how to get where we need to safely. But, in this weeks Feel Good Friday segment we want to highlight the good parts; the excitement from kids, the fun with have with our pets and the joyful moments.

Niles Rice is sharing his love for geography through his videos.

Two adorable otters have been spotted playing on the ice together at the Virginia Tech duck pond.

Fighting violent crime, responding to 9/11, and beating cancer twice, Galax-native Stanley Meador is the epitome for perseverance. A trait that now serves him well as the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office in Virginia.

“One can for every fan!” That is the goal of the Spirit of Tech this weekend at Virginia Tech’s home game. Band members will be collecting money and canned goods to help local people in need this holiday season.

When tasked with completing a public service project to earn Eagle Scout certification, 17-year-old Matthew Danco knew he wanted to help the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke.

When given the opportunity to make a difference, students at Roanoke Catholic chose to help the children of Afghan Refugees now living in the Commonwealth. Students have been donating money all week to send to Commonwealth Catholic Charities to purchase backpacks and supplies.

While it may be hard to imagine working with your immediate family members – the Markham’s love it. They admit it can be challenging at times, but they say they’ve formed a bond that helps them better treat patients. “It’s almost like you know what the other one needs or is doing without them ever having to talk,” said Shane Markham, the family’s son.

In a surprise ceremony, Virginia Military Institute cadets paid their respects to veterans and the children's charity Victory Junction they were raising money for by presenting the colors. “To have the color guard from VMI be here, It was so special,” Petty said.

A new program is helping homeless veterans gain back their independence as they transition out of a shelter and into their own home. Thanks to a generous donation and partnership between ARCH and the McLeod Family Foundation, more than $21,000 will be designated over the course of this year to help homeless veterans at ARCH's trust house in Roanoke to help move into a permanent home.

The band is back together again and ready to march through Lane Stadium in Blacksburg!

Ah, yes... Another work week finished and a beautiful summer weekend ahead of us. Doesn’t that just make you feel good inside?

NBC Sports Analyst and former NASCAR racer Kyle Petty selects Southwest Virginia to host three-day Charity Ride Revival.

Though her mission at times has felt impossible, Irvine has fed hungry people for 40 years.

It takes an incredible amount of work, talent and time behind the scenes putting on the show for the entire world to see. A Roanoke native is a big part of making that magic happen this year.

It took Virginia teen Giles Ferrell 17 rolls of duct tape and 84 hours to create this prom dress! It's inspired by protests sparked over Richmond's Robert E. Lee statue. She's in the running for a $10,000 scholarship for her work.

Good news came with a surprise and a little prank As Virginia Tech aluma Natasha Welch unveiled her acceptance into the university’s veterinary medicine school.

It’s the first Friday of the month! And you know what that means...

Salem City Schools did something very different this year

Army Capt. Andrew Ross, a Green Beret from Lexington, Virginia, served more than seven years in the military.

While much of the business world was shutting down over the past year, life on the farm only got busier. This is especially true for a local horse rescue that despite facing a fire and financial hardships, managed to care for a growing number of horses in need.

Southwest Virginia and communities across the country are celebrating and honoring our headset heroes—those who are heard, but not seen.

Signs of spring are everywhere and another one is headed our way! Hummingbirds are making their migration back to southwest Virginia.

The Easter Bunny is hopping into town, and while kids may not be able to give him hugs or sit on his lap for a photo again this year, they are finding creative ways to make memories.Although this will mark the second year in a row we have spent the Easter holiday socially distanced, there is still a lot to celebrate. Families are making the most of it.

ROANOKE, Va. – Spring begins Saturday and while many of us are ready to get out and about, animals are feeling spring fever too, especially those who have wintered indoors while recovering at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. The center is at the start of what Executive Director Sabrina Garvin calls their ‘baby season,’ the center’s busiest time of year. AdThe seasonal euphoria of spring spreads quickly at the wildlife center. It’s that magic moment Garvin describes that keeps center volunteers and staff passionate about the work they do. Follow the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center for more photos and videos of new patients and success stories.

Joshua Boyd is happy after being reunited with his dog, Pocket. (Sarah Boyd)Sarah and Joshua Boyd of Franklin County said their puppy, Pocket, became sick with Parvo. They took Pocket to the Emergency Vet Services of Roanoke for treatment. Pocket’s care came at a $3,000 price tag, but the family was determined to give Pocket the care it needed, especially for their two young children who love the dog dearly. The family also says they are very grateful to the veterinarians who worked to save Pocket.

NATURAL BRIDGE – A curious cat got more than it bargained for after it got stuck in a tree on a branch 30 feet off the ground. Thankfully, the local fire department still makes cat rescues, which is now uncommon among other rescue organizations. Firefighters got out their ladder truck and sent firefighter Sheldon Snead up the ladder. He says he is no stranger to heights, but this was the first time he had been sent up to rescue a cat. With the cat tucked under his arm, Snead carried it back down to safety.

SALEM – A local 10-year-old chose to give gifts instead of receiving them this year for his birthday. For his birthday he wanted to take up donations for the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center, and the community certainly showed up. A number of vehicles drove through his birthday parade and dropped off donations the center needed. 10-year-old Gabe asked for donations instead of presents for his birthday parade. AdThe wildlife warriors, a local group that supports the SWVA Wildlife Center also gave Gabe a gift of his own.

SALEM, Va. – Instead of receiving gifts, a soon-to-be 10-year-old is going to be the one giving out presents this year to a good cause. They safely scooped the bird up in a bucket and took it to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke, where staff were able to help it fly again. Now instead of gifts for himself, this year for his birthday he’s asking for donations to help other animals like Toby at the center. They’re asking you to purchase a gift from the SWVA wildlife center needs list. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke Wish List:

TRUEVINE, Va. – Virginia’s longest married couple recently celebrated another incredible milestone, 80 years of marriage. AJ and Lillie Reeves of Truvine celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on Jan. 25. Feel Good: Longest married coupleThe couple was recognized in the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Record as the 2019 Virginia winners of Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s Longest Married Couple Project. At the time recognized, A.J. Just weeks after reaching the milestone, AJ Reeves passed away at age 106.

The way Floyd County used it’s CARES Act Funds truly showcases that community spirit. Melissa Branks, the manager of the Floyd Farmers Market, said COVID-19 had a huge impact on the ability of local farmers and vendors to sell their products. Floyd County Supervisor Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch said it was the perfect way to spend county CARES Act money before the deadline. “I like to call it a win, win, win, win, win, win, win, because it had a domino effect,” DeVito Kuchenbuch said. The local farmers and producers, they were excited because it was a game-changer for their year of course.

SALEM, Va. – Honoring healthcare workers on the frontlines, a Salem woman has put up a special display in her front yard to thank them and remind us all to do our part. In front of Anne Craighead’s home on Stonegate Drive in Salem, you’ll see a large metal star adorned with blue lights. On it, she’s hung handsewn masks and a sign that reads, “Please show your love for our health care workers. Stop the spread.” Craighead said she hopes it’s a small reminder to help us all come together and to do our part. Many are leaving their Christmas lights up until Jan. 31 for health care workers.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – We’ve faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, but so many in our community are rising above those challenges, determined to do good. When you need a hot meal in your stomach but have nothing in your pocket, you go to Stepping Stone Mission in Rocky Mount. Feeding 350 people a week volunteer and board member Ruth Carey said it has taken a team of volunteers to make it work. So, Stepping Stone Mission started offering take out. In the middle of a pandemic Stepping Stone Mission started a business in their basement.

Even though live holiday performances aren’t happening this year, one local dance company is more than proving, the show must go on. That’s why her dance company has embraced the change, and used it as an opportunity to give every little girl her Christmas dream of becoming the leading lady. “We thought in a year where we got nothing we wanted and the kids didn’t get anything that they wanted, we would give them the one thing we know they wanted,” Leeper said. There is still time to have the Clara experience. The cost of the Clara experience is $300, which is $150 out of pocket when you use Blacksburg bucks.

Now, after all the positive attention the Bonsack Chick-Fil-A has gotten, Christmas Décor Roanoke, the local businesses that hung the lights wants to keep those smiles coming. Christmas Décor Roanoke is known for their over the top holiday displays. Offering a contest for a free home holiday makeover, Christmas Décor Roanoke is asking the public to nominate deserving people who may be struggling and could some extra love and light. Christmas Décor Roanoke will decorate the homes of the winners for free, and even take the lights down. They hope to do several of these free holiday makeovers and have yet to cap the number of winners.

The Griswalds have some competition this year in the Christmas lights department. During a time when many are forced to scale back their holiday celebrations, this Roanoke Chick-fil-A is turning up the Christmas spirit with an amazing display that’s getting a lot of attention. It’s so wonderful and we love that chick-fil-a embraces Christmas in such an extravagant way,” said another customer Michell Hutchens. Just the joy that lights bring, especially this time of year, is really exciting to a lot of people,” said Duffsey. “It’s a happy time of year and I think we need to keep remembering that.”The Christmas lights display was done by a local company called Christmas Decor Roanoke.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local wildlife center, that’s usually the one to swoop in and save the day, is now the one getting rescued by another animal-loving nonprofit. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke relies on donations to take care of the hundreds of animals they work to save each year. The Roanoke Valley SPCA stepped in and helped them take their silent auction online and they raised $23,000. “It’s really heartwarming to see,” said Sabrina Garvin, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. The center has 200 more patients compared to this time last year, so the donation will go a long way.

RADFORD, Va. – A place to find help when you need it, and a way to give when you can – that’s the idea behind a new Facebook group created by Mandy Shiftlett. Shiftlett tells 10 News she saw a need in the community and knew she couldn’t help in the way she wanted all on her own. So, she made a space on social media to connect those in need with those that could help. She started a Facebook group called “Free stuff without judgment.” Those who need help paying bills or finding food or clothing for their family ask, and those who can help offer up what they have. The foundation will be named in honor of a local man Corey Mayhew who died this year.

A Bedford, Virginia woman is now TikTok famous.

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – A local animal shelter is making sure money doesn’t stand in the way of a pet’s next meal. Knowing that many families are in a financial bind due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Humane Society of Montgomery County is giving away free pet food to those who need it. Volunteers are holding a free pet food pantry in the shelter parking lot, an initiative Ron Brown said they started in March. If we can alleviate that one choice and make pet food available to them, that should make things easier and allow them to keep their animal,” Brown said. The pet food pantry is from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot at 1183 Flanagan Drive in Christiansburg.

For the first time, the Roanoke Valley SPCA held a drive-thru pet food pantry. “We are able to provide this assistance because of a generous gift left to the Roanoke Valley SPCA by long-time friend, Dorothy Hannaford,” said Hayes. The pet food pantry is also available to individuals at the shelter. Roanoke Valley SPCA Dot's Drive-Thru (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) The Roanoke Valley SPCA is participating in an adoption event and golf tournament at the Blue Hills golf club in Roanoke.

Local volunteers and businesses are coming together this weekend to help kids in need, making sure every child has a bed to sleep in at night. The local chapter of the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace is made up of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. Roanoke Valley Chapter President Dave Jones said the need is overwhelming in Southwest Virginia. The Roanoke Valley Chapter just opened in January. Four local Lowe’s stores are partnering up with the organization and volunteers tomorrow to build at least 40 bunk beds.

GILES COUNTY, Va. – A life’s worth of good deeds is coming full circle. A man who has dedicated his life to serving our community is now getting that love back when he needs it most. If you live in Giles County, you know Rodney Freeman. Now the community is stepping up to help, sending their donations to a relief fund started by the rescue squad. Amber Jones, a member of the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad says Freeman is like family.

GILES COUNTY, Va. This week marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II its also a special milestone for a local World War II veteran who just turned 100 years old. Hitting that century mark deserves a massive celebration, especially for someone who served our country, and the Giles County community did not disappoint. June Atkins of Giles County was born on Aug. 23, 1920. Im the reason hes 100 years old, Dora said while laughing. In Giles, June is known as one of the Maybrook Men. He is one of five brothers who all served in World War II at the same time.

Shes using her wishes for shelter pets, looking for a forever home. She asked for donations of pet food and supplies for the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Rocky Mount. Animal Shelters like the one in Franklin County rely on donations. For a 6-year-old to take her birthday presents and turn that into donations for our animal shelter is just truly amazing, said adoption specialist Katie Bittienger. She said she loves animals and it made her birthday special to be able to help those in need.

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. The joy adoption brought to a local woman's family has inspired her to help others find the same. Ashley Hensley of South Boston is working to break down financial barriers to adoption, one shoe at a time. She designed her adorable shoes for comfort, style and to spread the message of the beauty of adoption. A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to the Hope for Adoption Foundation which provides grant money to families looking to adopt. To date, the Hope for Adoption Foundation has provided money for two families to adopt a child.

There are 287 children in Virginia waiting for their wishes to be granted, 30 of them live in Southwest Virginia. It boils down to they have to have money to grant these wishes, Beck said. but president and CEO Sheri Lambert explains the need to grant wishes is now greater than ever. Seeing first-hand the power of a wish, Beck made it her mission to make another childs come true. If you want to help grant wishes visit their website.

Pulaski County A Virginia state trooper is living the oath he took, to serve and protect, even when its the tiniest of creatures. Hes now fallen in love with a tiny kitten that may not have survived without his help. She was so happy.Kitten saved by Virginia State Trooper (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) Trooper McGlothlin was called to another scene, so he took the kitten to the Pulaski Animal Care and Control Rescue. Viars said the very next day Trooper McGlothlin returned to the center with his family to adopt the kitten, thats now known as Aspen.

Curiosity definitely got the best of a tiny kitten that may have just used up one of its nine lives. Angel, at 5 weeks old, finished up a several hundred-mile adventure hidden inside a car engine. Angels were watching over her on that 10-hour ride, said Missy Viars, co-director of Pulaski Animal Care and Control. Kitten takes 10-hour-ride in car engine (WSLS)They worked to get the kitten out of the engine, and the owner said its not my kitty and left, and left him standing there with the baby, Viars said. Another kitten named Piper was also found in a car engine by a local mechanic.

Giles County Ive always got your six. Thats a message that could be heard across area scanners on Sunday during a special shoutout to a Giles County deputy during his first day on the job. Giles County dispatcher Landon Patteson honored his dad in a very special way on Fathers Day -- by welcoming him as a brother of the badge. Happy Fathers Day Robby Patteson stay safe! #Officer #Dispatcher #Father&Son Posted by Landon Patteson on Sunday, June 21, 2020Patteson has worked as a dispatcher for Giles County for the past 10 months. Also joining the force, Robby Patteson, Landon's dad, began his first day as a road deputy on Sunday.

Buddy, the cockatoo was once a rescue, but now is a permanent resident at the Danville Area Humane Society. When you come in, he'll say, hello, and if you don't answer he'll say, hello, Dean said a little louder. Posted by Danville Area Humane Society on Thursday, April 23, 2020They all know buddy. His official owner is shelter manager April Hogan, whos been with Danville Area Humane Society for 26 years. This is the Danville Area Humane Societys 40th year caring for animals, and Buddy certainly has helped bring awareness about the centers mission.

39-year-old Joshua Langfitt of Newport is the countys only professional blacksmith, and one of the few in the region. That skill set transitions into a lot of life I think.Thats why hes working to teach the next generation the trade. In order to teach the next generation, I think it's vitally important because it does keep that craft alive, Langfitt said. While Langfitt admits in todays modern era, there may not be as much of a pressing demand for blacksmithing, he says its an important skill to pass on. Langfitt works full time now as a blacksmith and has his own business, JJL Forge.

Giles County – A major milestone in a child’s life was caught on video, and is sure to bring a smile to your face. Witten Atkins of Giles County caught his first fish last week in Glen Alton. Throwing his own cast, he pulled a citation brook trout and reeled it in by himself. He and his sister were fishing with his parents Zach and Morgan Atkins. As shown in the video, he was a little scared at first at what he pulled out of the water, but that quickly turned to excitement as he clapped and yelled, “I caught a big one like daddy.”

Working to spread a little happiness, the Lynchburg Police Department shared a cute video that's gotten a lot of love on social media. According to LPD, mama duck and her nest of eggs were found close to a business on enterprise drive. Yesterday Animal Control Officers Craft and Marks responded to a call for a duck who had made a nest and laid eggs near a business on Enterprise Drive. They were able to safely move Mama Duck and her five eggs to a more suitable location. Officers said they’ll be checking back on her soon to see if her ducklings have hatched.

Indian Valley – Southwest Virginia’s scenic beauty, wildlife and rich history have inspired an Indian Valley woman to capture it all on canvas, creating beautiful paintings she hopes can help others. Goldie Boyd, 88, has lived in Indian Valley almost her entire life. Now she recreates original works of art with the stroke of a brush. Seeing other works of art on the lobby wall at Carilion Memorial hospital offered her some escape when her late son Clifford passed. Remaining humble, she’s never taken money for her works of art but says she instead finds joy and satisfaction in the process.

ROANOKE, Va. – Ready or not, love finds a way and can happen at the most unexpected times in your life. Now married three and half years, Zack and Chelsea Hartman, of Christiansburg, are college sweethearts. The vow about “through sickness and in health” was made much earlier on, while they were still dating. “He was a friend and made it pretty obvious he wanted to be more than a friend,” Chelsea said. Although then only a friend, Zack captured her heart through sweet gestures like hand making cards and many hospital visits.

A Virginia pug is getting her mug on national tv! Dixie the pug loves to coordinate outfits with her human owner, Rusty Foster of Leesburg, Virginia. Dixie is the adviser for her dad’s company, Bow Tie Strategies, and is in charge of the theme of their annual Christmas card! “What the Today Show really liked was our annual Christmas card that we’ve been doing for 7 years now,” Foster said. “We have different themes, costumes and at a different location ever year.”The winner was announced live Wednesday morning on the Today Show.

Allegheny Co. – Spreading kindness is an important lesson for Edgemont Primary School kindergartners, and they are doing their part. During a field trip this week, they spent their time promoting the lesson “kindness matters” by mailing cards to local veterans at the Covington Post Office. Students also visited Alleghany Health and rehab where they gave two special performances to residents and even donated items for them to use as bingo prizes and for folks there in need.

The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs delivered teddy bears Monday to kids at Carilion from their teddy bear toss from earlier this season. The team took to Facebook to post a picture, saying “the kids faces lit up when they saw who their special guests were for the afternoon. These bears are the gift that keeps on giving!”The teddy bear toss happens once a season where fans are allowed to throw teddy bears on the ice after the Dawgs score their first goal.

After a local business owner got hurt on the job, others in the industry are stepping up, proving the power of a community. Carrie Poff, owner of Brown Hound Tree Service in Roanoke said in the tree care business, that village is more like family. As soon as he heard the news, Jimmy Flynn, owner of Mission Mulch in Harrisonburg, volunteered to help. "I know what it's like as a business owner. Poff, who considers Craddock a good friend to her and her husband, has orchestrated support within the community to help Craddock as much as possible.

NEW RIVER VALLEY, Va. – A local wildlife photographer finally gets the shot he’s been dreaming about. Posted on a popular local Facebook page, New River Valley Wildlife, Kevin Light says he’s been trying for years to get video of a bald eagle. It turns out it was worth the wait, as this wild bird flew perfectly into the shot, almost posing for the camera. The video was captured in Floyd County where the eagle is somewhere flying free.

STOCKTON, Calif. – A World War II veteran in California has one wish for Valentine’s Day. He is asking as many people as possible to send him a card. Maj. Bill White still wears the same dress blues made in the 1950s when he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. And this Valentine’s day, White is hoping to add to his collection with card from people near and far. If you want to send White a valentine, mail it to the address below:Operation ValentineATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)The Oaks at Inglewood6725 Inglewood Ave.Stockton, CA 95207

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Capturing the joy of a snow day, Christiansburg High School announced that school would be closed Tuesday with a music video that is now becoming a local sensation. It’s a spin on the Phil Collins hit, “In the Air Tonight.”The music video was created by the high school principal, Tony Diebler, and high school student, Kolby Brown. The principal has created snow day videos in the past by adapting lyrics to well-known songs and recruiting students to join in on the fun. He cuts the videos and releases them on upcoming snow days, and this his first of the decade has already been viewed nearly 6,000 times.

Several National Football League players are teaching local students the importance of reading. Bonsack Elementary School in Roanoke County facetimed with members of the Washington Redskins. It's part of the Redskins Read program. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan talked to the fourth and fifth grade students at the school while wearing a red Santa hat. Students in Lynchburg also previously participated in the program.

BEDFORD, Va. – A photo that is now going viral truly captures the spirit of small-town living. When the Johnson Health Hillbilly Response Unit Jeep lost it’s transmission during the Christmas parade in Bedford this weekend, a crowd rushed to help them out. A photo was posted on Bedford County Photography’s Facebook page, and shows the crowd rushing to push the vehicle up the hill. The caption says if people ask what small-town living is like, it’s this.

BOONES MILL, Va. – The southwest Virginia community is full of wonderful caring people, and this story proves that. This summer, 10 News featured His Cupboard in Boones Mill, a small town effort to give food and clothing to hundreds of local families in need. Faye Meador, a retired woman on a fixed income who’s responsible for raising her five grandchildren, was featured in that story. “I don’t know if I could make it without them being there," said Meador. It’s an act of kindness from a stranger, that touched her family and His Cupboard volunteers.

GILES COUNTY, Va. – An officer’s goodwill to help a family in need has sparked an outpouring of support across the New River Valley, especially in Giles County. Danny Ratcliffe, of the Pearisburg Police Department, to raise money and donations for a family in need. Ratcliffe took to Facebook asking for the community’s help after he responded to a call where he met a single mom and her six children. Ratcliffe told 10 News he collected more than $1,000 in two days from generous community members, plus gift cards and $500 worth of groceries. The response has been so great, the Pearisburg Police Department posted on its Facebook page and is now looking for more families it can help this holiday.

GILES COUNTY, Va. – An officer in Giles County is going above and beyond the call of duty to help a family in need. A member of the Pearisburg Police Department, Sgt. Danny Ratcliffe, is asking the community to help a family in need this Christmas. Food, gifts and monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Pearisburg Police Department. Send to the address below:Attn: Sgt Ratcliffe or Chief Martin1611 Wenonah AvePearisburg, Va 24134Clothing sizes needed:

You may know him as “The Wreath Guy,” known for turning trash into treasure. “It is really exciting every year when I come back, when I have someone say, ‘It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a wreath from “The Wreath Guy,"' just, I don’t know, it makes me feel really good,” said Hendren. He earned his name as “The Wreath Guy” a decade ago while backpacking through southeast roanoke. Many go to repeat customers who’ve made a visit to “The Wreath Guy” a holiday tradition. "I’ll always be grateful to the people of Roanoke.”You can contact The Wreath Guy at 828-641-1940 and texting works best.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local celebrity dog, Queen Little Miss Missy of Roanoke, is quite the amazing pooch who uses her fame to help others. She's got a huge following on social media, her own book and a very impressive wardrobe as you can see. She uses her fame for good, and this year for Christmas she's raising money for two animal welfare non-profits: Deaf Dogs Rock and the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. She's posting an array of adorable photos online asking for donations. To help, checks can be mailed toMissy's Christmas Blessings2123 W. Main St.Salem, Va 24153You can also donate with PayPal attwolilbostonsonamission@live.comThe owner requests to please check 'friends and family' so they don't take fees out.

Radford – Celebrating a century! A New River Valley woman is about to reach a major milestone. Pearl Dobbins of Radford is turning 100 years old on Saturday. Pearl has one daughter, four grand-children, seven great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Her family is throwing her a birthday party at her church in Radford Sunday.

Football fandom that's going beyond the game - a Virginia group of Washington Redskins superfans known as the Hogfarmers are helping kids battling cancer. You'll notice them decked out in flamboyant costumes while tailgating, but what you may not know is they are raising money for kids affected by pediatric cancer and their families. This weekend at the Redskins vs. Patriots game they raffled off an autographedDwayne Haskins jersey. The money from that will be given to a little boy named Cody. Even outside the game, they are always doing special things on social media to keep his spirits lifted.

ROANOKE, Va. – In front of a sold-out crowd at Elmwood Park Thursday, the Christiansburg High School choir sang their hearts out with rock band Foreigner, joining them in one of their most famous hits, "I Want to Know What Love is." After weeks of practicing, Christiansburg choir member Koby Brown said it was a moment they'll never forget. Christiansburg was one of seven choirs from all over southwest Virginia that competed for the coveted prize of joining the famous band on stage. "Foreigner actually approached us to do this choir contest," said host Dick Daniels. Christiansburg won with over 4,600 votes, earning not only the rights to perform with Foreigner, but also a $500 donation to their choir.