1. Barnes and Noble is getting ready to hold their annual book drive.
From now until December 12, people can buy a new book or take an old one to their Kentwood store to donate. This year they're going to the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
Barnes and Noble has collected more than 1 million books in the past and has already supported more than 600 charities across the country.
2. In-person classes are now remote and Grand Rapids Community College is making sure its students have the right resources.
The school is providing loaner laptops and Wifi Hotspots. Those just need to be reserved through the school's information technology department.
Plus, students can continue using the school's wifi in the parking lot behind the administration building, or in the parking lot of any Kent District Library branch. Services like tutoring will be offered remotely.
GRCC is also continuing its food pantry one day a week to support students facing food insecurity.
3. Fox 17 is the official television partner for the Signature Chef's Auction, an event benefiting the March of Dimes.
The event has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for babies born pre-term, and this year the event is going virtual.
Registration is now open and so is the online auction. Everything from state-of-the-art home appliances to workout classes, to a private dinner for 10.
All the money raised will go towards helping families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit in Grand Rapids.
The event will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
4. Paws with a Cause could win $250,000 thanks to a new show on Amazon.
It's called "The Pack" and it features 12 dogs and their humans competing in adventures around the globe.
Each team has chosen a non-profit to also compete for and one of the duos chose "Paws With a Cause" in Grand Rapids.
Paws estimate it costs $35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place a single assistance dog, so a quarter of a million dollars would be a big help.
The show airs on Amazon on November 20.
5. Amazon is launching "Amazon Pharmacy" in the U.S.
It works like a traditional drugstore and even accepts most major insurance plans. Prime members get free two-day shipping.
There's also a savings benefit plan for those without insurance. Amazon pharmacy offers an 80 percent discount on generic medications and 40 percent off-brand names.
The move could be a game-changer in the multi-billion dollar health industry.
