🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: 2025 Toy and Food Drive by Smiling While Sending Hope
• 📰 News: Peak Lab Rescue Hosts Community Pet Adoption Day
• 📰 Scrollback: Service Runs Deep in Our Community
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Some stories are worth revisiting: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: In what country was the first coin operated slot machine invented?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

The Featured Event

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If you have questions email: [email protected]

2025 Toy and Food Drive by Smiling While Sending Hope

The 12th Annual Toy and Food Drive organized by Smiling While Sending Hope is underway, with collection efforts focused on bringing holiday cheer to children in hospitals and care facilities across the Triangle. Running from October 30 to December 4, the drive seeks new, unwrapped items suitable for children of all ages, such as toys, books, and crafts.

The organization, which works year-round to support children and families in need, encourages donors to avoid perishable or used items

A network of drop-off locations spans across several towns and includes local Cary businesses like Twisted Scizzors Salon, Above and Beyond ABA Therapy, and Abil-OT Kids Therapy. This widespread effort ensures that community members have ample opportunity to participate. (Click the links above for driving directions)

Contributions will benefit local hospitals and support services, including WakeMed Children’s, UNC Children’s, Duke Children’s, SECU House in Chapel Hill, and the Ronald McDonald Houses in Durham and Chapel Hill.

Additionally, the organization offers online giving options through Amazon and Square, broadening accessibility for donors.

Smiling While Sending Hope continues to make a year-round impact, and this holiday initiative remains one of its most visible and collaborative efforts.

Resource Links

• Facebook Page: Smiling While Sending Hope

• Amazon Wish List: Toy & Food Drive List

• Donation Questions: [email protected]

• Point of Contact: Katie Haynes

Just curious…

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Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, neighbors, or colleagues who’d like to get involved.

Peak Lab Rescue Hosts Community Pet Adoption Day

Peak Lab Rescue is hosting an adoption event on Sunday, November 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at DCP Frantz Square Lawn. This event offers community members a chance to meet adoptable dogs and learn more about fostering or adopting a pet.

As the largest foster-based dog rescue in North Carolina, Peak Lab Rescue is dedicated to helping dogs escape abuse and neglect. Their work centers on saving Lab mixes and other dogs from high-risk situations, including high-kill shelters.

While adoption is the focus, the event welcomes anyone interested in spending time with dogs or learning more about animal rescue. Pet owners are reminded to keep their dogs leashed and to consider their pets' comfort around other animals.

Additional information about the rescue group and how to get involved can be found at peaklabrescue.com.

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

Service Runs Deep in Our Community

In honor of Veterans Day, we asked our readers if they or someone in their family has served in the U.S. Armed Forces—and the response revealed just how strong the ties to military service run in our community.

🎖️ 72% of respondents shared that they have a family member who has served.
🌟 20% identified as veterans themselves.
💜 4% said they are currently serving.
❤️ 4% have not served but expressed strong support for the military community.

Readers also shared heartfelt personal stories. These included accounts of relatives who served in key moments and locations in American military history, from Pearl Harbor and the Korean War to Camp Lejeune. Some spoke proudly of children and grandchildren currently in uniform.

The responses underscore the strong and enduring presence of military service within the Cary community. Cary Spotlight thanks everyone who shared their stories and those who have served.

We support all our heroes: every branch, every badge, every person who has stepped forward to serve. Cary is home to veterans, active-duty families, reservists, and proud supporters across the community.

This quick poll isn’t about choosing favorites. It’s simply a fun way to see which branches our readers feel connected to, whether through family, friends, or personal service.

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-Noon
• Saturday: Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair 9AM-2PM
• Saturday: Harvest Fest 12PM-4PM
• Sunday: ACC Men's Soccer Championship Finals 1PM-3PM
• Sunday: Obedience and Manners Dog Training 2PM-3PM
• Sunday: Paws and Pals: Adoption Event with Peak Lab Rescue 4PM-6PM
• Monday: NC Chinese Lantern Festival

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar