Ready for a Throwback Thursday stroll through the Downtown streets of Winston-Salem?  Ranging from 2014 to this year, same week. 

The evolution of the space that is now Merschel Park is for another day, but today you can remember when it seemed as if Covid had forever derailed the project. 

Remember that old building behind 500 W 5th?  Yeah, we watched it go down, literally!  See a day in the chaos before this space became The Link Apartments on 4th Street.  

 A few of these are Then and Now - Small Batch now has a cool mural, Merschel Park is finished, and Kaleideum will be open within a few months!    

Kaleideum, a new Children's Museum opening in 2024, next to Merschel Park.  An awesome addition to our downtown! 

The FOX8/Old Dominion Triad Holiday Concerts and Food Drive are celebrating their 36th year, and this time, they're taking on a new format to make a bigger impact on our community.
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Traditionally a large, in-person event that united the Triad community, this year's concerts will be exclusively televised on FOX8 and streamed on MyFOX8.com. While we understand that the change in format may be a bit disappointing for those who cherished the festive atmosphere, this change will help reach an even wider audience and generate more support for the Salvation Army's crucial mission.

Throughout December, FOX8 will broadcast 30-minute holiday music concerts featuring talented local musicians. Whether you choose to gather with your family in front of the TV or stream the concerts on your preferred device, we invite you to join us in spreading the holiday spirit.

On December 6 and December 13, tune in at 7:30 p.m. for a delightful musical experience. Mark your calendars for a special Day of Giving on December 20, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by an hour of music at 7 p.m. On December 25, start your Christmas morning with two hours of festive tunes beginning at 8 a.m.

Although the format has changed, the spirit of giving remains. We encourage you to participate in this year's telethon on the Day of Giving, taking a moment to contribute to the Salvation Army. Your donations, as always, go directly to the Salvation Army in our community, supporting their mission to provide for those in need.

FOX8 WGHP Vice President and General Manager Jim Himes emphasizes, “The goal every year is to help best serve the needs of the Salvation Army. This year, we are also able to bring more holiday music and increase the accessibility to our viewers and digital users. We are pleased to again partner with Old Dominion to help the Salvation Army achieve their mission in the Triad.”

Join us on the following dates to watch the FOX8/Old Dominion Triad Holiday Concerts:
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• Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, 7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Triad Holiday Concert on FOX8 and MyFOX8.com
• Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, 7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Triad Holiday Concert on FOX8 and MyFOX8.com
• Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.: FOX8 Day of Giving
• 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Triad Holiday Concert on FOX8 and MyFOX8.com
• Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Triad Holiday Concert on FOX8 and MyFOX8.com

Let's make this year's celebration memorable and continue supporting our community in the true spirit of the season.

You can also make donations directly to your hyper-local Salvation Army here ~

The Salvation Army of Winston-Salem
The Salvation Army of Greensboro
The Salvation Army of High Point
The Salvation Army of Mount Airy
The Salvation Army of Asheboro
The Salvation Army of Alamance County
The Salvation Army of Davidson County
​The Salvation Army of Rockingham County

The Salvation Army operates on a hyper-local basis, addressing the specific needs of communities in various ways. At the local level, the organization provides a range of services and assistance to individuals and families facing challenges. Some of the key hyper-local initiatives of the Salvation Army include:
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1. Food Assistance: Operating food pantries and meal programs to ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious meals. This often includes food distribution and community meals for those experiencing food insecurity.
2. Emergency Shelter: Providing emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness or facing crisis situations. This may involve overnight shelters, transitional housing, or support for those at risk of losing their homes.
3. Clothing Assistance: Distributing clothing and essential items to individuals and families in need. This can include clothing vouchers, thrift stores, and seasonal assistance programs.
4. Utility Assistance: Offering support to help individuals and families with the payment of utility bills, ensuring that they can maintain a stable living environment.
5. Financial Assistance: Providing financial assistance for critical needs, such as rent or mortgage payments, medical bills, and other emergency expenses.
6. Holiday Assistance: Organizing holiday-specific programs, like the Triad Holiday Concerts and Food Drive, to bring joy and support during festive seasons. This often includes toy drives, gift distributions, and special events.
7. Educational Programs: Offering educational and after-school programs for children, including tutoring, mentorship, and extracurricular activities.
8. Disaster Relief: Mobilizing quickly in response to local disasters to provide immediate relief, including food, shelter, and essential supplies.
9. Spiritual Support: Providing spiritual guidance and counseling services for those seeking emotional and spiritual assistance.

The Salvation Army's hyper-local approach ensures that they understand and respond to the unique needs of each community, working tirelessly to uplift and support individuals and families facing various challenges.