CHAPEL HILL –  The NC NAACP and the Forward Together Movement announced the kick-off of a statewide informational picket campaign aimed at NC Budget Director Art Pope.

The first two pickets were held Monday at 4:00 p.m. at Roses in University Mall and the Maxway in Raleigh.

The informational picket campaign is a statewide effort to raise awareness and demand that Pope call for a reversal of several laws and policies passed in 2013.

Pope owns Variety Wholesalers Inc.

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Orange County Emergency Services is reminding residents this time of year is when safety is not on the forefront of the mind.

Most holiday celebrations include the lighting of candles, lighting of trees, or placing lights on the house.  Many of these actions can create fire hazards if not set up correctly, and December is the most active month for fires related to candles.

Some safety tips include: keeping candles 12 inches away from flammable objects, not using candles during a power outage, being careful not to overload circuits with lights, and keeping trees away from heating appliances.

For more information on safety tips click here.

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This Sunday, Varsity Church of Chapel Hill is inviting you to take a bite out of child hunger.

From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 n. at SmithMiddle School you can help package 10,000 meals for children in need of a solid meal.  The meals will go to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Orange County School system.

The annual event called Feed 10,000 aims to do exactly as it says and help 10,000 children in the area.

For more information click here.