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🌱 Patch AM: How close is Harrisonburg’s Red Kettle drive to its $200K goal?

And on the Harrisonburg Patch calendar - "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer " and "Frosty the Snowman" Free Holiday Films Sponsored by Paul…

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Morning Harrisonburg! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

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Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In today's newsletter:

  • How close is Harrisonburg’s Red Kettle drive to its $200K goal?
  • Why Harrisonburg’s first unionized Starbucks says it walked out
  • How a Harrisonburg bakery helped feed 250 families for Christmas

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Harrisonburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 59 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 58, low: 35.
  • Thursday: Cloudy and warm with mist, with a high of 62 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Final days of Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign (rocktownnow.com) — Harrisonburg’s Salvation Army is in the final days of its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, having raised $137,000 toward a $200,000 goal that funds local shelter and food programs. Leaders say the shelter is nearly full most days and the money stays in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, supporting everything from kids’ camp to expanded services for people facing homelessness and food insecurity.
   

2. Harrisonburg Starbucks baristas vote to unionize, join Starbucks Workers United (whsv.com) — Baristas at the Port Republic Road Starbucks by I-81 in Harrisonburg have voted 16-1 to unionize, making it the city’s first unionized Starbucks and the 23rd in Virginia. Workers say they’re pushing for better pay, consistent scheduling, proper staffing, and more respect from management, and have also joined a broader strike action.
   

3. Sweet Joy's & Harrisonburg Gospel Assembly give back with community food bank (whsv.com) — A Harrisonburg bakery and the Harrisonburg Gospel Assembly joined forces to run a community food bank ahead of Christmas, serving turkey, pantry staples, and desserts to more than 250 local families. Organizers say the effort is about reminding residents they have support here and strengthening the sense of family across the Friendly City.
   

4. 29 VA Hospitals Among Best In U.S. In New Forbes Ranking (patch.com) — Harrisonburg’s Sentara RMH Medical Center earned a top five-star rating in Forbes’ new 2026 national hospital rankings, putting it among the best-performing facilities in the country. The report evaluates outcomes, best practices, value, and patient experience, and lists 29 highly rated Virginia hospitals, giving local residents another data point when considering where to seek care.
   

📸 Around Harrisonburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Button batteries can kill a child or pet within hours of being swallowed.
    This time of year there are often batteries around more than usual. Please keep them away from children and pets. (Nextdoor Longview and Vine Street)
  • Crash cleared on EB VA-257 at 0.1 miles west of I-81 in Rockingham County.
    4:26PM on Dec 21: All eastbound travel lanes on VA-257 at 0.1 miles west of I-81 in Rockingham County are closed due to a crash. (Nextdoor )
  • James Madison University posted a job opening for UREC Graduate Assistant - Intramural Sports in Harrisonburg. Apply here.
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Harrisonburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisonburg here.

Ok Harrisonburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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