NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A first look at the early budget recommendations for New Hanover County show several groups missing out on money they've received in the past.

More than 30 non-profits, development groups and economic organizations applied for financial contributions from county government and this year's recommendations from staff are more than $200,000 less than the amount approved by the Board of Commissioners last year.

Kids Making It, DREAMS of Wilmington and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure are among the list of human service groups with zeros next to their name, according to a draft budget summary.

Several supporters have already emailed commissioners in hopes of restoring the $5,000 given to the Race for the Cure last year. The inaugural event attracted more than 2,000 participants.

A spokesperson said Monday that the foundation looks forward to continuing a relationship with New Hanover County.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Mail carriers in Wilmington and across the country need your help to put an end to hunger.

They will participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 11.  Postal workers will deliver the mail and collect food on their routes.

The public is asked to place bags filled with non-perishable food items next to their mailbox.  A mail carrier will collect the donation and take it back to their postal branch.

Volunteers from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina will be at the branches throughout the day to unload the trucks.

Local donations will benefit the food bank in Wilmington located on Marstellar Street which serves four counties. 

For more information, click here.

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WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Mattress Firm will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Friday.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 2 p.m., with Mayor Saffo in attendance as well as a representative from the Chamber of Commerce.  

According to the store's manager, James Clark, the store will collect donations for the Domestic Violence Shelter and present a certificate to a representative from the shelter.