Found a box of holiday decorations near Benton Convention Center.
Description
I was locking up my bike and heading home around 6:40 p.m. on Monday when I spotted a sturdy box of holiday decorations tucked beside the entrance to Winston-Salem's Benton Convention Center on North Trade Street. The tissue paper squeaked when a breeze blew, and the pine scent from the wrapping made me smile. I checked around and realized these weren't mine—they looked like a family’s festive setup, complete with garlands and a string of warm lights. I didn't see anyone nearby, so I left them on the cafe steps with a note describing where I found them, hoping the owner would recognize them when they return to downtown. It felt like a little Christmas miracle in the middle of my walk.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.