If you want to help your neighbors in need

• LifeCare Alliance | Deliver food through the Meals On Wheels program or assist in the local food pantry.
• The Columbus Dream Center | Help those experiencing homelessness by serving meals, gardening to provide nutritious meals, or volunteering when individuals come in for showers + laundry to make a relationship with them.

If you’re interested in healthcare

• OhioHealth | Find volunteer opportunities at 15 different Columbus-area hospitals.
• Mount Caramel | Teens, college students, and adults have options to volunteer with patients, visitors, families, or provide pet therapy.
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital | Lead the way through public areas of the hospital or provide toy washing and playroom maintenance.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio | Become a mentor to children ages five through young adulthood and take your mentee to different activities or adventures.
• All THAT — Teens Hopeful About Tomorrow | Build a lasting relationship with a teen by assisting with schoolwork, career searching, and life skills.
• The Royal Oak Initiative | Help kids learn critical thinking skills through chess with this mentoring program.

For the handy individuals

• Modcon Living | Volunteer for home repair projects, tool maintenance, and office help.
• Habitat for Humanity MidOhio | Help build homes for families in need.
• Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging | Assist with homemaking or home repairs for older adults or people with disabilities.

If you’re on a tight schedule

• Mid-Ohio Food Collective | Schedule a shift starting at just two hours long in a local food pantry.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Ohio | Make a meal at home for families at the Ronald McDonald House.

• Make a Gingerbread House Luminary | Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Good Dea Craft School, 4145 N. High St., Columbus | $110 | Supplies and instructions are provided to make a stained glass gingerbread house luminary.

• Ohio State Men’s Basketball vs. Central Michigan | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 7 p.m. | Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Campus | $7-$28 | The Buckeyes return home after an Emerald Classic tournament victory in Florida.
• Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Montreal Canadiens | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $40-$295 | Cheer on the Jackets as they face this Atlantic Division team in the Eastern Conference.

• Champagne and French Fries Tasting | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 5-8 p.m. | Bristol Republic, 1124 N. High St., Short North | $20 | Sample five champagnes that pair well with crispy fries.

• Crimson Design Group Designer Warehouse Sale | Friday, Dec. 1 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Crimson Design Group, 825 Grandview Ave, Columbus | $0-$20 | Shop discounted designer furniture, accessories, art, rugs, throw pillows, and more; early access includes an hour of private shopping, a mimosa, and entry to a giveaway.*

• QTS, a Kansas-based tech company, is investing nearly $3 billion into New Albany data centers. The company has already invested $1+ billion into central Ohio, and this would bring that investment over the $4 billion mark. (Columbus Business First)

• Harriet’s Hope, a home for human trafficking survivors, is opening on Friday, Dec. 1 on the west side. The 52-unit community will provide a safe space for fellow survivors, and the exact location will not be disclosed for safety reasons. (The Columbus Dispatch)

• The Columbus Crew defeated Orlando City in the conference semi-finals. The Crew plays Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Eastern Conference finals at TQL Stadium in Cincy. The winner will advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs championship game on Saturday, Dec. 9.

• The cast of “Napoleon Dynamite” is coming to KEMBA Live! on April 19, 2024 for a 20th anniversary celebration. Listen to a conversation with Jon Heder (Napoleon), Efren Ramirez (Pedro), and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) + enjoy a screening of the movie. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 1.

• Mitchell Hall at Columbus State Community College is hosting “Cooking with the Kids: Holiday Brunch” on Saturday, Dec. 9. Grab the kids and learn family recipes for a seasonal brunch, including Parisian-style crêpes and reindeer pancakes. Tickets are $80.

• There are only two days left to apply for children’s toys (14 and younger) and food boxed from The Salvation Army — Wednesday, Nov. 29 + Thursday, Nov. 30. Find a location near you.

• Fruit can be one of the healthiest things you can put into your body, but the majority of Americans are making this single mistake that can counteract all the health benefits of fruit. Here’s why one heart surgeon is asking Americans to “stop doing this to your berries.”*

• Ever wanted to decode your pet’s DNA? Basepaws’ pet DNA tests provide insights into 300+ dog breeds and 280 health markers — and they’re $85 for Black Friday.*

🧊 Dine in an igloo

• VASO heated igloos overlook downtown Dublin.
• Land-Grant Brewing Co. has igloos in the “Wintergarden.”
• Lumin Sky Bar offers ice-themed and fire-themed igloos.

🎄 Try the ultimate holiday bar

• Christmapolitan: Keep it festive with vodka, elderflower, and spiced cranberry sauce.
• Marshmallows & Unicorns: Enjoy gin, vanilla liqueur, egg white, and tiki bitters.
• Rudolph’s Replacement: Sip on coffee liqueur, chai, and almond milk in this vodka-based cocktail.