FEEL GOOD VA

You pay it forward by purchasing a drink or meal, which is put on a gift card the baristas hold onto. Then, you write a note who it’s for and pin it to the board.

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.

ROANOKE, Va. – An update to a 10 News #FeelGoodVA story proves our area is so giving. We told you Angela Miller wanted to surprise her son on his 13th birthday with cards from the community. She got the idea after he told his mom he doesn't have any friends. 10 News viewers certainly answered the mother’s cry for help. Since then, Peyton received nearly 400 cards and 40 packages from strangers wishing him a happy birthday.

DANVILLE, Va. Its not uncommon for children to build lemonade stands, but one Danville boy set up his own convenience store. ZayDen Saunders is spending his summer learning how to be a little entrepreneur. Most five-year-olds arent posing for pictures with their customers, but ZayDen Saunders parents say he isnt a typical little boy. He wanted the real deal, said Darrin Saunders, ZayDens dad. I would look and he would be in my kitchen cabinet getting the flour or canned food, said Crystal Saunders, ZayDens mom.

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.

ROANOKE, Va. Visitors at a Roanoke senior facility are now able to see and touch their loved ones. This takes a toll on all of us, said Brandon Oaks executive director Esteban Duran-Ballen. They came to see Doris Light, who is Horaces wife of 60 years and Dianes mother. You dont realize when youre apart like that this much, how much you miss the other person, Horace added. Brandon Oaks is already planning to construct another coronavirus-safe vestibule at their assisted living facility across Route 11.

The Brian Center Alleghany welcomed a petting zoo as a way to get people outdoors while remaining socially distant. While everything has been focused around resident safety, weve tried to do as many things as possible to promote resident happiness. Its been a very tough time for everybody, said Nick Dent, Brian Center Administrator. Brian Center resident Phyllis Sizemore said everyone really enjoyed their time with the animals and it lifted their spirits. Everybody enjoyed it.

A Danville teen makes history selling Girl Scout cookies. She is the first African American Girl Scout to sell a thousand boxes of cookies in the Virginia Skyline Council 13 years in a row. She said selling that many cookies wasnt really a goal she set out to do, but once Trinity hit the mark year after year she just kept going. I think its a big accomplishment, to use her Girl Scout skills on everyday life. Just to know girl scouting is not just to sell cookies, Tambra said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. A Lynchburg police officer is making a difference for one grieving family. Lt. Luke Bryan used his day off to clean Glenna Wrights yard. Over the weekend, officers were called to Wrights home on Rockbridge Avenue and found her son, Eduardo Jordan unresponsive on the basement floor. Theres little things that you can do for your neighbors right now that could be a big difference, Bryan said. She tearfully told 10 News shes thankful for Bryan and the other first responders who were on scene.

For one Virginia senior, walking across the stage meant more than just meeting all her academic requirements. Last June, Maggie Rocke was practicing walking in her driveway. At the time, the rising senior, already had one specific moment on her mind: walking across the stage at graduation. After numerous surgeries, Virginia teen reaches goal of walking across graduation stage (WSLS)“I basically made walking an everyday, or almost everyday, part of my life, because I knew if I wanted to make this happen, it couldn’t be something where I just did it on a whim,” Rocke said. I think it will definitely be a mile marker in my life journey that I will never forget,” Maggie said.

LOW MOOR, Va. – A Virginia state trooper’s Facebook post is getting a lot of attention after a unique day on the job. The interaction between a white trooper and a Black man is getting a lot of positive attention. First Sergeant Anthony Nicely took to social media this week when he stopped on the side of the interstate in Alleghany County to help a man waiting for a ride. Come to find out, that man’s daughter got held up at work and he didn’t have a way back to West Virginia. Hours later in a Facebook post, Nicely thanked Scott for the fruitful car conversation and looking beyond the police badge to see a man who just wanted to help.

BOONES MILL, Va. Many right now are looking for something pleasant to escape to and thats where Healing Strides comes in. Healing Strides of Virginia is used to helping hundreds of people who face personal challenges. Right now pretty much everyone pretty much has a personal challenge, I havent met anybody that doesnt," Young said. During this tense time, Healing Strides is hosting Horse Safaris. Shari Winebarger's daughter Maci has been coming to Healing Strides for the past eight years.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A teenager in Clifton Forge has spent the past several months getting creative while staying at home. Colorful characters litter the sidewalk outside of Erin Crowder’s home. The high school freshman has never taken an art class, but managed to bring beloved cartoon characters to life. Her mom said neighbors and strangers have stopped to take pictures of Erin’s freehand masterpieces.

The 19-year-old and his friends were out on the James River at Percival’s Island in Lynchburg when he watched the fast-moving currents separate Jackie Sligh from her family who made it out of their kayaks and onto the dock. I ended up on falling off my kayak,” Thomas said. Just trying to keep her calm and let her know we’re going to be alright. !”The Brookville High School senior graduated today with support from family and a congratulations message from his new friend. 10 News reached out to Jackie Sligh and she wasn't available for an on-camera interview.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. When youre six years old and this pandemic prevents you from reading with people, what do you do? Photos of Kendall McPeak, from Riner, reading to the family cow put a smile on many faces. Her father Dustin said Kendalls teacher encouraged her class to practice reading aloud while at home and thats exactly what she did. Kendall started by reading to their dog, and when that storytime came to an end, she brought her book outside to share with the next willing participant: Daisy. "It was really fun because I know the cow loves to lick stuff so she tried to eat my whole book," Kendall said.

ROANOKE, Va. You can uplift a person in need by writing an encouraging message for #NotesForRam. From your cell phone or computer you can visit Roanoke Area Ministries RAM House website. These encouraging notes are leaving quite the impression on the guests. Second thank you letter for the #NotesForRam campaign (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) Bi-weekly, RAM House posts guests testimonies on how this campaign may have touched them.

Published: May 22, 2020, 4:00 am Updated: May 22, 2020, 10:24 amROANOKE, Va. Roanoke County Public Schools are officially on summer break. The last day of school was Thursday! Green Valley Elementary School first graders got a surprise. Green Valley Elementary students did a virtual visit to our studios! (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. An Americana band out of Nashville whose name happens to be Roanoke sent a special message and song to those within Roanoke Countys social services department. We wanted to sing something light something to put a smile on somebodys face and the lyrics, you know, until the dark becomes the light, said Taylor Dupuis, singer. Its rare that we get good recognition in the public eye so this means a lot, said Benjamin Jones, family services supervisor for Roanoke County Department of Social Services. Jones was the one who originally requested a message from the band. He says he and his team were truly touched.

ROANOKE, Va. – In a show of appreciation for her teacher, one Roanoke first grader came up with a precious song to share. 6-year-old Kaylee Blaszak wrote the song to the tune of another song that her mom Whitney made up years ago. “I sing it to my children, I sing ‘I love you Kaylee, oh yes I do,’” Whitney said. It was a heartfelt way to thank a teacher for making an impact beyond the classroom. Last week was teacher appreciation week and Boone says she received all kinds of gifts from her students that filled her heart with joy.

ROANOKE, Va. – The excitement of being in person with loved ones brought many families to tears on Thursday at the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke. These men and women already made sacrifices for our freedom, and now, “They’ve been asked to sacrifice to be away from their loved ones,” said Todd Barnes, administrator for the Virginia Veterans Care Center. “So, this is just another way, among others, that we’ve done to give them the opportunity to see their loved ones,” Barnes said. The administrative parking lot was open so that families could loop around in their cars, wave, honk and blow kisses to their loved ones. It’s such a wonderful thing that they’re doing with this parade.”Aliene Hodges also took part in the parade to see her father Billy Grice.

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Jess Perkins is the life of the party who has no trouble making friends says her sister Lindsay Brown. "She collects friends through every stage of life.”Her wide network of friends came to her aid with GoFundMe donations after a devastating accident this weekend. “She simply stumbled and lost her balance and fell face first into the fire pit,” Brown said. Perkins, who moved from Roanoke County to Nashville four years ago, was back in town to attend a funeral. "She’s already been out of work for about 8 weeks and her savings are depleted.”Brown said Perkins’ recovery could take a year.

RADFORD, Va. Finding motivation can be hard for students attempting to do schoolwork from the comfort of home, but unique incentives from one Radford teacher has his students begging for more assignments. School, and it is, simply, whatever it takes, and so that is exactly what he is doing, said Jerry King, Principal of Dalton Intermediate School. Richard Fisher from Dalton Intermediate School is doing "whatever it takes" to get his students to complete their weekly assignments. Its motivating me to get the assignments done because the videos are really funny, said Abbey Napolitano, one of Fishers students. I really hope that my students, beyond doing the assignments, I hope my students smile.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – During this stay-at-home order, one Wytheville girl is saying ‘Bring me the bacon!’Nine-year-old Julie Patton loves bacon. In fact, her mom, Corie, says Julie would eat it for every meal if she could. When Julie heard about a woman going viral for making a sign asking for beer, she thought two could play that game. “My grandma, she told me about the lady with the beer and the sign, and I thought I would try it with bacon, since I love bacon,” Julie said. She asks for bacon as presents for birthday and Christmas and somebody always gets it for her,” Corie said.

Dawn Coleman graduated from Parry McCluer High School and Liberty University. Grayson Coleman thought he was going to talk with someone from the Tim Tebow Foundation. While we’re all adjusting to a new normal this spring, for 8-year-old Grayson Coleman, his whole world changed last fall. We love you and it's awesome to see you smiling right now buddy,” said Tim Tebow in a message to Grayson. Dawn thought it would merely be a Tim Tebow Foundation employee on the FaceTime call, but Grayson was overjoyed when Tebow himself popped up.