Local

Children in need given toys, food after money raised by 'Coneweed'

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — More than 100 local families in need will have a brighter holiday thanks to an initiative that started with a weed that grew through a traffic cone.

[#ConeWeed: Decorated traffic cone weed has raised more than $3,700]

The popular “Coneweed” led to a huge campaign that raised more than $20,000.

[NCDOT on #ConeWeed removal: 'Didn't mean to be a Grinch']

The Huntersville Fire Department and volunteers bagged food and put together bikes and toys for local children in need.

"It's about giving back,” volunteer Marsh Ranieri said. “That's what makes you feel good in this life. It's not what you take, it's what you give back."

The nonprofit HopeMatch is helping the donations reach 114 families in need and Food Lion is donating up to 4,000 meals.