FEEL GOOD VA

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.

A Pete Rose autographed baseball, a limited-edition David Letterman jacket, designer brand fashion accessions, artwork, jewelry, gift cards and even the naming rights for Southwest Virginia’s newest Education Ambassador animals are up for bid in an online charity auction to support local wildlife.

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.

Local cancer patients receiving chemotherapy got a sweet surprise during treatment this week thanks to an act of kindness from a local business.

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.

One stranger’s random act of kindness is going a long way for a Lynchburg family.

While rehabbers at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center in Roanoke are used to some precarious rescue operations, their latest literally sent them on a wild-goose chase 85-feet in the air. A young Canada goose was found tangled in netting on the facilities drone cage.

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

Two little girls helped make Monday a little sweeter for one Giles County Sheriff’s deputy with a nostalgic pastime.

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.

River Bend Elementary School in Elkton broke an unofficial world record Wednesday morning with a fun schoolwide project that started with a food drive.

A little chihuahua in Blacksburg gave officers a run for their money during what they called a "short foot/paw" pursuit early on Thursday.

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.

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.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – A local school resource officer had a little fun with his students by guest-starring in the school’s talent show. Organizers of the annual Rockbridge County High School talent show asked Deputy Chris Norris if he would put something together for the virtual event. In case you didnt know it, Rockbridge County High School will be having a virtual Talent Show. At the end of the video, Norris announced to students that he’s transferring to be an SRO at a local elementary school. Besides singing, Norris has learned the dance to Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean and performed it for students in the past.

COVINGTON, Va. – A balloon with an inspirational message made an incredible journey to the Alleghany Highlands this month. Ricky Barnett and his son Skyler discovered the balloon on a hike near their Covington home. Thanks to an e-mail address inscribed on the balloon, they discovered it was launched near Houston, Texas — more than a thousand miles away from Covington. “This is our shooting star,” Barnett said. “I can’t stop smiling about it.”AdHanson and Barnett have been in constant contact ever since the balloon landed.

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:

They say you start living your best life in your twenties, Blizzard the polar bear is proof. The 25-year-old recently had the best snow day ever. Blizzard lives at the point defiance zoo and aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. At 25, Blizzard has exceeded the life expectancy of a polar bear in human care - just more than 23 years. The senior bear is making the most of his wild and roaring twenties.

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.

Hailing from Salem, 8-month-old Marshall, a Boston terrier, is on the starting roster for Team Fluff at Puppy Bowl 17. Marshall is on the starting roster for Team Fluff in the Puppy Bowl. “There’s no stereotypes that hold as far as deaf dogs are that, or deaf dogs are this. There is a competition where you can show your love by voting for your favorite Puppy Bowl pup. The Puppy Bowl kicks off February 7 at 2 p.m on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local woman learned of a need for diapers and rallied the community to give. Mary Wynne Imhof found out the diaper pantry at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church was running low on supplies. Friends sent money through Venmo and Imhof bought the diapers to donate to the pantry. I kept looking at my phone and would be like, ‘Eric, I can’t believe we’re up to $600, I can’t believe we’re up to $1,200,’” said Imhof. In all, with the help of friends, Imhof raised $1,800 to buy diapers to donate.

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – Some good things from 2020 continue and even grow into the new year. We told you about an Alleghany County woman who started an online workout group during quarantine that quickly became life-changing. Since we last checked in over the summer, the group has grown to serve people in 32 states and 11 countries. “I’ve really learned by starting this group how many ladies are out there that really are struggling. She says they just kicked off a new workout program this week and it’s not too late to join in, click here.

BUENA VISTA, Va. – After a year of cancer treatments and hospital overnights, one little boy got quite a surprise when visiting his mom’s hometown this week. It has been a busy week for the two, flying in from Florida to visit her parents in Buena Vista. On Sunday, the community surprised the boy, who many have never met, with a parade. They just start showing love to my son who’ve they’ve never met again just because of my connection here,” said Dawn. The Rockbridge area community has followed the 9-year-old’s journey through bone cancer on social media.

COVINGTON, Va. – A Covington boy with a rare skin disease is now able to do something pain-free that we may take for granted in our daily routine. To their surprise, people donated enough money for the shower as well as a bedroom addition. [More than $48,000 raised for Covington boy battling rare skin disorder]“I just want to say I’m so happy and appreciate, we appreciate everything. I just want to tell everybody that donated and helped us get this, we appreciate everything,” said Evan’s mother Christina McLaughlin said. Before the new bathroom space and changing table, Christina had to bandage her son’s wounds in the dining room.

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Genny Link donned a septor and crown as the Grand Marshall of an antique car show outside of the Commonwealth Senior Living Center in Christiansburg. Her family organized the parade of honking cars as a tribute to her cross country adventures as she has visited 49 states. With a smile on her face and a big wave, Link said the secret to her long life is to get up with caution. “It’s wonderful,” Link said. “And I just want to tell everybody to stay well and be careful when you are on your feet.”Link said she looks forward to hearing the Happy Birthday song once again, next year.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – At first glance, you might think Michael Hairfield and Dani Willis are father and daughter. Willis decided then to help Hairfield get the home and family of his dreams. “I helped him go back home, and then two hours later I found out all about his life," Willis said. I knew he deserved love.”“If that day doesn’t happen, I might not be here," Hairfield said. He’s super loving.”Hairfield says he already feels blessed for what Willis and the group have done for his life.

ROANOKE, Va. – Most people receive gifts from others for their birthday, but one local woman wants to be a gift to others for her entire birth month. The creator of Love with Skin On, Debra Ferrell, turned 53 at the beginning of October. She asked people on Facebook to nominate those who could use a random act of kindness. In all, Ferrell plans to gift 53 acts of kindness this month. “It’s just different from the way people normally imagine a birthday.

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.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – A Roanoke County teacher received much more than an apple for a job well done. Shawn Burns won $50,000 from Harbor Freight’s “Tools For Schools” contest for his excellence in the classroom. The Burton Center Arts and Technology mechatronics and robotics teacher got his award in a surprise ceremony during his class Thursday morning. "You always hope, and this year, it worked out for us.”Harbor Freight representative Erin Walsh congratulated Burns through a computer screen during the ceremony. It’s a lot of fun, and that’s the best part.”Burns is one of 15 runner-up finalists who won $50,000.

Earlier this year, 10 News introduced you to a Bedford teen who picked up the art of painting during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the story aired about Daniel Terry and his newfound love for Bob Ross, he got quite the surprise. However, after the 10 News story about Terry aired, he got an email from Bob Ross Incorporated. After reading the email that a package was on the way, Terry thought it might be just a few items to get started. It’s all thanks to the generosity of strangers at Bob Ross Inc.“I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

PULASKI, Va. – Starting in March, the world experienced quarantine as the coronavirus began to spread. However, one Pulaski family with a sick child has been isolated since September 2019. To lift their son’s spirits, an area racing group surprised him with a parade. Small Town Racing in Pulaski showed up at Conner Ratcliff’s house over the weekend. Conner loves fast cars and has a rare syndrome that compromises his immunity, so he isolates every winter during flu season.

ROANOKE, Va. – Many children grow up wanting to learn how to dance, but the cost is often a barrier. Now, a Roanoke woman has started a nonprofit to bridge the gap, making sure every child has an opportunity to learn. Mishel’la White is a life-long dancer and the director and owner of Mish Moves Dance Company in Roanoke. For White, dance is a life’s long passion she hopes to inspire in the next generation. On Oct. 3, Mish Moves Dance is holding a pop-up shop event at Washington Park in Roanoke and will have food, dance and vendors.

To understand the outpouring of community support, you have to understand a very special friendship. As 10 News told you back in 2017, Parker helps care for Evan at school. [Third-grade boy helps take care of friend with genetic skin disorder]“Parker being so close to Evan with Evan’s special needs,” said Evan’s mom, Christina McLaughlin. As crews were working hard to finish up Evan’s new bathroom and bedroom, Evan and Parker checked out the space for the first time. “I tell you what, my son has been good for Evan, but Evan has been even better for my son.

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.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local congregation is celebrating two milestones this week: a birthday and an anniversary. Pastor Shabrac Brown Jr. started Garden of Prayer #7 Church back in 1970. He turned 90 years old on Monday. Members old and new marked the milestone with a drive-by parade on Sunday. Shabrac Brown Jr. has several ministries that help get troubled youth off the streets, and he also helped create a fellowship of churches in the region.

The Ruritan Service Club organized a motorcycle ride through the New River Valley to raise money for the St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The Cruise for St. Judes started at Ruritans headquarters outside of Dublin and went through Bland and Wytheville. We do have children in the New River Valley who have been to St. Judes, said Johnny Edmonds, the Ruritan member who came up with the idea for the ride. The ride is part of a yearlong, nationwide effort by Ruritan to fundraise for St. Judes. It really is a heartwarming experience to see so many bike riders here.Labor Day Weekend from now on will feature a Saint Judes ride.

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.

DUBLIN, Va. A surprising show of support from strangers has given a Pulaski couple new hope and a new outlook. With no job, no electric wheelchair and no handicap-accessible home, Jason didnt know what he would do. A Pulaski man is trying to raise money to pay bills, afford a prosthetic leg for his wife whose right leg was amputated. Since then, strangers have stepped up and donated food, an electric wheelchair, a wheelchair ramp, and even a car. He started a GoFundMe to raise money to help pay electric and water bills and afford a good prosthetic leg, which could cost thousands of dollars.

ROANOKE, Va. One local mans reaction to his brother asking him to be his best man is getting a lot of attention. In the card, Josh asked Chris to be his best man. He just kind of drops hints like, Whos going to be your best man? Whos going to be your best man? said Josh. Chris is already looking forward to performing his best man duties.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. Campbell County now has three new fury protectors on the streets. 6-year-old Layla Meeks is part of the reason the Campbell County Sheriffs Office can proudly show off its first-ever K-9 team. For the last several months, the department has been working to get a K-9 unit and knew it wasnt going to be easy. Before this week, the Sheriffs Office was calling on surrounding agencies hours away for help. The dogs started on Monday and the Sheriffs Office is prepared to return the favor to the agencies who helped them out.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local retirement home is sending-out a huge ‘Thank you’ to everyone who wished a 106-year-old resident a happy birthday. Earlier this week, 10 News introduced you to Venus Tucker ahead of her 106th birthday. Our Lady of the Valley asked for cards to surprise her with. Our Lady of the Valley asked for cards to surprise Ms. Venus Tucker with. (Our Lady of the Valley)On top of that, Ms. Tucker received more than a dozen flower arrangements.

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.

ROANOKE, Va. A Roanoke retirement community organized a sweet treat for its residents Friday afternoon. Hermitage Roanoke hosted a lemonade-themed parade, featuring many of the residents friends and family. Roanoke mayor Sherman Lea and vice-mayor Joseph Cobb also joined in the parade. Hermitage Director of Wellness Samantha Swanberg said its important for residents to reunite with loved ones however they can. A lot of our family members that come are family to multiple residents, not just one.

Even with surprises like a FaceTime call with Tim Tebow, Grayson Coleman’s journey has been hard. To say Dawn and her son had a village from Florida to Virginia supporting them every step of the way would be an understatement. “It just feels amazing, you’re speechless, you just want to say thank you to everybody,” Grayson said. With support from Tim Tebow, the Orlando Police Department and thousands on Facebook, this mother is at a loss for words. “You don’t know how to say thank you enough.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – One Lynchburg couple isn’t letting the coronavirus stop them from celebrating 70 years of love. Carl and Linda Long’s wedding anniversary is on Thursday. “Bunch, thank you again for 70, 70 wonderful years,” Carl Long said. “I never could imagine anything like this … never.”“For him to be able to see her on a screen is so special,” Vangie Alban, the Longs’ daughter, said. “What an example for us too and for next generation and the generation to come,” Carla Solan, the Longs’ daughter, said.

ROANOKE, Va. A young boy is using lemonade to help raise money for a local animal shelter. Judah, 6, has created a website to sell lemonade and lemonade powder. A portion of the proceeds will go to Angels of Assisi in Roanoke. The plan was to have a lemonade stand in the spring, but the coronavirus pandemic happened so he created a website instead. Hes one of them, and they want to help, ONeil said.