Delaware
Thousands of chicks found abandoned in USPS truck in Delaware have been adopted by families, farms
Thousands of chicks found abandoned inside a postal service truck for three days have gone to new homes, according to the Delaware shelter that had cared for them, with the last batch picked up on Thursday morning.
All the surviving birds, estimated as more than 5,000 chickens — it was too hard to get a specific count — plus some others like turkeys and quails, were primarily adopted by local families, rescues and farms, according to First State Animal Center and SPCA.
The chicks were part of a 12,000-bird shipment left unattended in a truck at a Delaware mail distribution center. Trapped in high temperatures without food or hydration, thousands died, according to the state Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Postal Service has said it is investigating the “process breakdown” that occurred.
For more than two weeks, the surviving birds had been cared for at an overwhelmed First State Animal Center and SPCA, said John Parana, executive director. As a no-kill operation, the shelter would not take adopters planning to use the birds for meat, Parana said. Some of the adopters took hundreds at a time, hoping for egg-laying hens, while others took them as pets.
Stephanie Bruzdzinski adopted a handful of chicks after her daughter learned about their situation.
“She was very upset and wanted to help out,” said Bruzdzinski, who was similarly shocked when she heard the news. “She doesn’t like when things aren’t getting taken care of.”
The birds originated from Pennsylvania-based Freedom Ranger Hatchery’s weekly bird shipment to clients around the country, and due to biosecurity concerns, the hatchery cannot take the chicks back, a company spokesperson said.
Whether you need to grab some last-minute Thanksgiving ingredients or are planning to indulge in the doorbuster deals on Black Friday, you’ll need to know the store hours of your local grocery stores, malls and retailers.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 27, and the annual Black Friday shopping rush falls on Nov. 28.
Order from Instacart:
Here’s which Delaware stores and malls are open during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
What are Christiana Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?
Christiana Mall near Christiana will be closed for Thanksgiving, but will have special expanded hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What are Concord Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?
Concord Mall in Brandywine Hundred is also closing its doors Thanksgiving, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.
What major retailers are open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday?
Before racing off to find Black Friday deals, check when these major retailers are open.
- Target: Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Walmart: All Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open the following day at 6 a.m. for Black Friday deals.
- Boscov’s: Boscov’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Macy’s: Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Best Buy: Best Buy stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
- TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
- JCPenney: JCPenney locations will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen Black Friday at 5 a.m.
- Nordstrom: Nordstrom stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
What grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?
If you’re looking to get supplies for your Thanksgiving dish or you forgot a key ingredient before the big meal, here are Delaware grocery stores’ hours on Thanksgiving.
- Wegmans: Wegmans will close early on Thanksgiving at 4 p.m.
- ShopRite: ShopRite will close early at 4 p.m.
- Acme: Acme markets are open until 4 p.m.
- Giant Food: Giant stores are open until 5 p.m.
- Aldi: Aldi locations will be closed on Thanksgiving.
- Food Lion: Food Lion stores will be open until 3 p.m.
- Costco: Costco is closed on Thanksgiving.
Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.
AARP Delaware recently announced Ted Spickler of Bethany Beach was honored with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.
A retired professor, Spickler was recognized for his extraordinary dedication to community service. As an AARP Delaware advocate, Spickler regularly traveled to attend volunteer meetings, committee hearings and legislator meetings, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving the lives of older Delawareans and strengthening the community. As the legislative committee chair of Delaware’s South Coastal AARP Chapter, he keeps the committee and chapter informed about a variety of issues that affect older Delawareans and their families.
Beyond his work with AARP, Spickler is active with Citizens Climate Lobby, advocating for policies to create a healthier environment for future generations.
“Ted embodies the spirit of volunteerism, sharing his skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to support his AARP chapter, our state office and his community,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware volunteer state president. “His curiosity, dedication and kindness have been a great example for other volunteers.”
Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Robby Ashford threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as Wake Forest beat Delaware 52-14 for its third win in a row Saturday.
Jake Dickert became the winningest first-year football coach in Wake Forest history. The Demon Deacons (8-3) won for the sixth time in their last seven games.
For Dickert, it was all about challenging the Demon Deacons to be better.
“We changed the bar completely,” he said. “… It hasn’t always been easy. It hasn’t always been perfect.”
It was a special Senior Day for the Demon Deacons, with the coaching staff assembled about 11 months ago.
“To see it come all the way through is a big deal to me and to (our players),” Dickert said. “Just like we’ve done all year, we’ve got to grow from it.”
Carlos Hernandez made two touchdown catches, racking up 197 yards on five receptions. He had TD plays of 79 and 93 yards.
Wake Forest’s Carlos Hernandez (8) is tackled by Delaware’s Kshawn Cox Jr. (6) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley
Ashford was 15-for-22 for 292 yards with an interception.
Three Wake Forest players rushed for more than 60 yards, led by Chris Barnes’ 78. Ty Clark III and Demond Claiborne ran for touchdowns. Connor Calvert kicked field goals of 44, 54 and 47 yards.
Nick Minicucci threw for 140 yards and a touchdown for Delaware (5-6), which will have to beat UTEP at home in a return to Conference USA play in order to be in line for a bowl bid. As a program in transition to the Bowl Subdivision, the Blue Hens only qualify for the postseason if there aren’t enough other teams reaching the six-win threshold.
Wake Forest hit a series of big plays.
Wake Forest’s Robby Ashford (2) avoids the tackle of Delaware’s Ethan Saunders (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley
“We didn’t keep them inside or in front on our defensive side,” Delaware coach Ryan Carty said. “We got to make sure those explosive plays don’t happen.”
Delaware’s Viron Ellison Jr. took a short pass and dodged tacklers for a 43-yard touchdown in the second quarter. That ended a string of nine consecutive quarters for Wake Forest’s defense without giving up a touchdown.
The Blue Hens scored with 1:59 left on backup Braden Streeter’s 25-yard pass to Max Patterson.
The Takeaway
Delaware: The Blue Hens gave up more than 30 points for the fifth time this season, allowing Wake Forest to reach that level in the first half. The Blue Hens ended up 1-5 in road games.
Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons secured their most-lopsided victory of the season and finished the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 4-0 record.
Barnes is back
The Demon Deacons welcomed Barnes, a speedster, back after missing a game with an injury. He amassed 97 all-purpose yards.
He’s return to action gave another element to the Wake Forest offense, which had 577 total yards.
“Chris is a dynamic player,” Dickert said.
Something to prove
The Blue Hens are relatively new at the FBS level. Carty said they should move on quickly from this result because there are still possibilities ahead.
“I guess we’ll find out,” Carty said. “That’s the challenge. We have to understand this is our season on the line next week. We’re either finishing with a losing record or go bowl eligible with six wins.”
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