Spread the love locally. | Photo provided by MANNA FoodBank
Today is Giving Tuesday, and beyond donating to local nonprofits, you can offer your time and energy to support the organizations working tirelessly to help our communities rebuild.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. We scanned the web, Facebook groups, local meet-ups, and bulletin boards to comprise this list featuring 40+ ways to get involved in Asheville.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 Holiday Pop Up Shop | Tuesday, Dec.3-Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Center for Craft | Cost of purchase | Shop 100+ vendors offering holiday gifts, including handmade goods, home decor, local art, and beauty products.
Wednesday, Dec. 4 Kitten Yoga | 6-7 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | Free | Register for this relaxing yoga session that features feline friends.
Thursday, Dec. 5 The Doors: Unhinged! | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $19+ | Relive the sounds of Jim Morrison and The Doors via this talented tribute band led by Reggie Headen.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King | 7:30 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre | $23+ | Enjoy the 13th installment of this modern take on a holiday classic.
Friday, Dec. 6 The Comedy Zone | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 8-9:15 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $28 | Laugh along with Andy Beningo who has been praised for his clean style comedy.
Atomic Furnishing re-opened at 178 Broadway St., completing a relocation process brought on by Hurricane Helene.“We still have so many plans and ideas for the future, but we’re taking it one day at a time and are so excited for what’s to come,” reads the Instagram announcement post.
Arts
The shops across from Old Navy at Tanger Outlets is finding new life as an art gallery on Saturday, Dec. 7. The store — located at 800 Brevard Rd., Ste. 138 — will be home to Orbit Space, an artist market with 13 local creators selling various forms of art. (WLOS)
Edu
There will be no in-state tuition costs for students at UNC Asheville in the spring semester thanks to a new grant from the university. This will cover $2,000+ for nearly 3,000 students. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Number
$9+ million. That’s how much money has been spent in Buncombe County for Hurricane Helene relief, according to this online tracker created by the state.
South Asheville residents now have round-the-clock access to life-saving care at the new South Asheville ER. Conveniently located at 2512 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, this state-of-the-art facility is ready to handle critical emergencies 24/7. Discover the services available.*
Finance
If holiday shopping — on top of your outstanding debt — is weighing on you this season, find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when off you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.
Category
Community
Updates and need-to-know information
ART bus fares will also be free through Thursday, Jan. 2. | Photo via City of Asheville
The following article is being updated on our website daily. Click the button at the bottom of this section to read the full story.
Note: The new schedule for community briefings is Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 2
Get connected with resources
Tomorrow, A-B Tech is sponsoring the Stronger Together: Community Resource Fair to help connect community members with essential recovery resources. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visit the Ferguson Auditorium at 340 Victoria Rd. to get help from 10+ organizations with applications for disaster relief, finding employment opportunities, and much more. The fair is free to attend and no registration is required.
Street parking meter enforcement begins again
On-street parking meter enforcement has resumed to “allow for more turnover in the spaces closest to our local businesses,” according to city manager Debra Campbell.
Parking in city-owned garages continues to be free through Thursday, Jan. 2, but event parking fees will be charged at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center garage.
These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Hey there, Asheville. I’m a Senior National Content Editor who will be helping out the next few weeks. Don’t worry — I’m running everything by Grace to get that signature AVLtoday seal of approval you’ve come to rely on.
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