Imagine being a child or teenager waking up on Christmas morning with no gift to unwrap, or a parent struggling to provide the basics for your baby. Sadly, for many in our community, this is their reality. But YOU can help change that.  Your kindness and generosity can be the gift that makes this season brighter for someone in need. YOU can help bring smiles to children’s faces and provide much-needed support and relief to families facing hardship.  Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that every child feels the love and magic of the holidays, and every parent has one less worry to carry.

This holiday season, let's come together to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

If you’re unable to donate, but still want to help, please consider spreading the word to inspire others to join in. 

First Flight Holiday Market

November 26th 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Aviation Park, 103 Veterans Drive

Looking for the perfect gifts and delicious treats for the season?

Look no further than the First Flight Holiday Market! It’s the perfect place to pick up unique gifts, grab mouthwatering baked goods for your Thanksgiving table, and support local small businesses!

Whether you're looking to check off your holiday shopping list or just treat yourself, there’s something for everyone! Come out to the next market on 11/26 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., support our amazing local makers, and stock up on all the holiday essentials!

Below is a list of vendors participating in tomorrow's market:

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

This Thanksgiving, make fire safety a priority! As you get ready for the holiday festivities, take a moment to follow these simple tips for a safer celebration with your loved ones.

From Dare County - 

Applications Currently Being Accepted for FEMA Home Elevation Grant

As a result of Tropical Storm Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a grant opportunity for Dare County homeowners to elevate their houses above base flood elevation through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to local and state governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a manner that reduces future disaster losses within their communities. This funding—which only becomes available after a presidentially declared disaster occurs—allows structures to be elevated above the known flood level, preventing or reducing the risk of future flood losses.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible properties include houses below base flood elevation, and located in Special Flood Hazard Areas or on a repetitive loss list. FEMA considers a property to be a repetitive loss if it has had two or more flood insurance claims of over $1,000 paid by the National Flood Insurance Program in any 10-year period since 1978. For more information about flood zones in Dare County, please click here. All property owners in Dare County that meet these criteria are eligible; however, due to the limited funding available, Dare County will prioritize primary residence homeowner applications.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program covers 100 percent of elevation costs. Applicants should be aware that the typical timeline from submitting an application to receiving the award is approximately 3-5 years, and home elevation cannot occur until after the grant has been awarded. Once awarded, the state will select a qualified contractor to elevate the home, a process that takes approximately 60-90 days to complete for each property.

How to Apply

If you believe your property is eligible, please follow the instructions below to indicate interest in the program. Homeowners may withdraw their application at any time but must follow these three steps to apply:
1. Complete the 5-minute Grant Information Request.
 2. After receiving an email from a North Carolina Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation team member, the homeowner must complete and return the application as instructed in the email.
 3. Receive Dare County approval for inclusion in the FEMA application.

Homeowner Application Tips

When you sign the homeowner’s application, please ensure all owners shown on the property deed have signed the application. FEMA will not approve the application unless all parties listed on the deed have signed. Along with the homeowner application, applicants will need to collect and include the following items for consideration:

• Flood insurance information (if available), including past claims.
• Photos of the property (front, back, each side and one street view) 
  Click here to view photo instructions. 

In the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, homeowners cannot directly apply for a grant. However, a local community may apply for funding on these individuals’ behalf. Dare County is the eligible applicant for this program. After the initial homeowner application intake process is completed, North Carolina Emergency Management will work with Dare County to complete the application on behalf of homeowners. To ensure inclusion in Dare County's application, local homeowners should submit an application as soon as possible.

North Carolina Emergency Management has produced a video to provide more information on the program. To view the video, please click the button below.