RVA Community Fridges operates 14 fridges around the River City. | Photos via RVA Community Fridges
In honor of Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing our guide to 50+ ways to get involved in the River City.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you.
Richmond Community ToolBank | This nonprofit equips groups around the River City with the (literal) tools to succeed.
⭐️ Robin here. There are a few slots remaining for a warehouse work day tomorrow, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., plus four more opportunities in January.
RVA Community Fridges | Volunteering with this nonprofit can be as easy as dropping off food at any fridge around town — or you can help with restocking, cleaning, or distribution.
Comfort Zone Camp | This camp that helps grieving kids needs volunteers to help as Big Buddies, healing circle leaders, junior counselors, and floaters.
⭐️ If you have particular skills in healthcare or photography, the camp is also looking for registered nurses and an experienced photographers to capture candid pictures.
Old School Improv presents: The Ancients | Tuesday, Dec. 3, Thursday, Dec. 5 | 2-3 p.m. | CSZ Richmond Theatre | $8 | Get your laughs in during this afternoon of comedy for seniors, by seniors.
Wyatt Flores | 7:30 p.m. | The National | $54+ | The country singer-songwriter will play with Jake Kohn.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
“Batman Returns” | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito star in this Burton Batman sequel.
The Bizarre Bazaar | Thursday, Dec. 5-Sunday, Dec. 8 | Times vary | Richmond Raceway | $11+ | This locally owned gift show spreads across four exhibition buildings with 475+ vendors.
Friday, Dec. 6
Hand/Thrown: Holiday Market | Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 | Times vary | Institute for Contemporary Art | Free entry | Find something special from a local ceramicist.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Krampus Walk | 5:30 p.m. | Carytown | Free | RVA Krampusnacht’s 12th annual walk through Carytown will begin with a costume contest at Aquarian Bookshop — grab a pair of horns and join in or just watch the procession.
Presented by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
In 2023, Goodwill kept more than 43 million pounds of items out of landfills through its various recycling programs. | Photos provided by Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia
The holidays are a great time to declutter your home — but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to do with your extra stuff.Donating to your local Goodwill is a great way to make space for new things while giving back to our community.
Here’s how to get started:
Set clear goals: Decide which areas of your home you want to tackle first.
Declutter one room at a time: Focusing on a single space helps keep things manageable.
Sort your belongings: As you go through your stuff, create piles of things to keep, donate, and recycle.
Donate what you don’t need: Instead of throwing away gently-used items, consider donating them to Goodwill. This helps keep items out of landfills.
Did you know? Your Goodwill donations are sold in stores, recycled into textiles, or repurposed into items like asphalt + turf. By donating, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Psst… All contributions are tax-deductible.
$43.7 million. That’s how much RPS school buildings will need for immediate repairs. The number comes from reports by Bureau Veritas, the inspection company the district hired in 2022. Identified issues include mold, single-pane windows, and faulty heating and air conditioning systems. (The Richmonder)
Closing
Brookland Park Kitchen appears to be closing. The Northside restaurant posted a goodbye message on social media and thanked patrons for their support.
Real Estate
Around a year and half after declaring a housing crisis, Richmond could see around 2,800 units for lower-income renters added to the landscape. Check out this roundup of affordable housing plans on the horizon. (Richmond BizSense)
Arts
There’s a new mural at VCU Health’s Adult Outpatient Pavilion. Artist Nico Cathcart, herself a cancer survivor, painted the work as part of the health system’s Arts in Healthcare initiative. (Style Weekly)
Concert
You can now get your tickets to shows at The Camel right at the venue. Visit the internal box office — aka ask the bartender — and you can get physical tickets, minus the online fees.
Community
Check out work by Pine Camp students, instructors, and local artists at the community center’s Gift of Art showcase. Find it on select days in the Spotlight Gallery through Saturday, Dec. 14.
Outdoors
Feminist Bird Club RVA is releasing a coloring book featuring the work of artist Sarah Thomas. Proceeds will go towards Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter, Burns Bog Conservation Society, and Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project. Snag a copy at the Richmond Moon Market at Stone Brewing on Sunday, Dec. 22.
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.*
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.*
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 you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.
Job
We’re looking for a Sales Executive to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships in the Richmond/Arlington area. Apply to join our team.
Fun Fact
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The Buy
The Buy
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.
A good amount of people can probably relate to the Times-Dispatch story about what you can do if you’ve been wrongfully towed. Spoiler: not much.
The numbers are exasperating interesting though — 16,170 vehicles were towed in 2022, and 22% of those were for street cleaning. Here’s the schedule to best avoid a costly fate.
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