Good morning, Dover.

M&T Bank marked its annual Day of Gratitude on Nov.

19 by donating $115,000 to two Delaware nonprofits that focus on service and community impact + the contribution is expected to support local efforts.

Today the fourth annual Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway begins a drive-thru display featuring over 100 holiday scenes and 2.5 million lights that will run nightly through January 4.

Donations of canned goods are collected each evening for the Food Bank of Delaware and on Giving Tuesday a $5 ticket discount will benefit Speedway Children's Charities.

As cold weather arrives, the Code Purple program will open overnight shelters at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes and at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach on Dec.

1 through March 15 to serve people experiencing homelessness — each shelter holds 14 individuals while guests access daytime services at the Rehoboth Beach Community Resource Center as demand grows with the closure of Tharros.

Delaware will hold several Small Business Saturday events on Nov.

29 that spotlight local stores with parades, Santa visits and tree lighting ceremonies—designed to boost holiday shopping and support small business owners statewide. Organizers in towns such as Wilmington, Delaware City, Middletown, Milford and Lewes plan activities to help shoppers support local businesses.

A new holiday guide features 22 parades throughout Delaware with details on routes, times and special traditions—local events include the Dashing Through Downtown Dover Parade at 6 p.m. Dec.

13, where Dover PD collects unwrapped toys for families in need. The guide helps residents choose the festive events that best suit their holiday plans.

Delaware State University announced its record enrollment with 6,623 students on November 20 — marking a 31.7% increase from last fall, as the campus welcomed more students this season.

DSU EdD faculty and students presented at the CPED convening in Philadelphia — where they outlined challenges in HBCU educational leadership programs in both higher education and K-12 and demonstrated how AI tools can redesign course plans and mentoring.

Participants left with tangible strategies to boost academic quality and expand career training.

A 66-year-old Townsend woman won $300,000 on the Delaware Lottery’s Win Big Instant Game after buying her ticket at Wawa in Smyrna—she triple-checked it to be sure of her prize.

She claimed her win at Lottery Headquarters on Oct. 27 and said the prize will help her save money and pay off bills in retirement.

Delaware public health clinics now offer vaccines for flu, RSV, pneumonia and COVID-19 along with routine shots for people six months and older.

Appointments are required—walk-in hours vary so residents should call local clinics to confirm times.

Delaware high school football championships this weekend feature a rematch in Class 3A as Middletown meets Salesianum Friday at 7 p.m.—Indian River will face Red Lion Christian at noon and Seaford will play Newark Charter at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, with all games set to be broadcast on 101.7FM for the fifth consecutive year.

Rail Haus Turkey Burn 5K

9 AM — Rail Haus - Beer Garden — Cost varies — Participate in a festive 5K to burn off Thanksgiving turkey and support a local nonprofit.

One Night: Christmas Youth Service

11:00 PM - 1:30 AM — Calvary Church — Free entry — Engaging monthly youth service for students in grades 6-12 with a festive Christmas theme.

Dover Delaware Women's Connection Program and Breakfast Buffet

9:30 - 11:30 AM — Maple Dale Country Club — $22.00 inclusive — Attend a breakfast buffet with a guest speaker and music, supporting a good cause.