Natural-born teachers and mentors

• Exodus Refugee Immigration | From taking your international neighbors to get their first library card to helping them with homework and budgets, this opportunity is one that will not only give you fulfillment, but also a new pal in the city.
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis | Make a difference in a child’s life by coaching a sport, tutoring, or teaching a new skill to one of the many young members of the Boys and Girls Club.

If you’re an animal lover

• Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO) | Drive down alleys to find dogs in need, mix food for the pantry, or help fundraise for the outdoor pups around town.
• FACE low cost animal clinic | From providing office assistance to socializing with FACE’s adoptable kitties, there are many ways for cat-loving Hoosiers to help out.

For the outdoorsy types

• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful | You can volunteer to pick up trash in neighborhoods around the city or join a group of volunteers planting trees to beautify our streets.
• Bike Indianapolis | Make Indy more bicycle-friendly by fundraising, planning events, or becoming a Bike Ambassador.

If you want to help your neighbors in need

• Gleaners Food Bank | This Feeding America member food bank puts over 2 million pounds of food on Hoosiers’ plates every month, thanks to its volunteers. You can hand out food directly to your fellow Indy residents, sort donated food, and more during your shift.
• Second Helpings | This group not only creates more than 4,500 nutritious meals from rescued food each day, but its job training program prepares adults with barriers to employment for culinary careers. Whether you’d like to chop produce, answer phones, deliver meals, or teach students, there are ample opportunities to help.

• Holiday Concert at the Library | Friday, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Indianapolis Public Library Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Individuals of all ages are invited for a classical music concert at the library.
• A Proper Holiday Pop Up | Friday, Dec. 8, Friday, Dec. 15, Friday, Dec. 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Proper Variety & Events, 614 Mass Ave., Indianapolis | Free entry | Sip on delightful festive cocktails, immerse yourself in dazzling decorations, and let the holiday magic fill the air — bring a toy for Kinship Care for foster kids of Indiana.
• Indy Fuel vs. Wheeling Nailers | Friday, Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $10-$48 | It’s Wintertainment and also Do317 Night — so grab a $3 domestic beer or soda, a $1 popcorn, a $7 craft beer, or specialty T-shirt.

• Indy Winter Farmers Market | Saturday, Dec. 9-Saturday, April 27 | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Shop for loved ones (or yourself) from 60+ vendors, including local farmers, food producers, and artisans.
• Sip Shop & Stroll x Hi & Mighty | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 2-4 p.m. | Fountain Fletcher | Cost of purchase | Kick off the holiday shopping season in the Fountain Fletcher District with exclusive giveaways and discounts — the first 25 attendees will receive a complimentary Hi & Mighty canned cocktail.

• Celebration Crossing Sensory Friendly Afternoon | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 3-5 p.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Museum admission | During this time, Celebration Crossing will be made more welcoming by reducing overhead music, dimming lights, and providing sensory-based activities throughout the experience.

• Indiana Mad Ants vs. Wisconsin Herd | Monday, Dec. 11 | 6 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $10 | Watch the Mad Ants and Wisconsin Herd face off on the Pacers’ home court.

• The Polar Express in IMAX 3D | Showtimes daily now through Sunday, Dec. 24
• White Christmas | Special one-show-only presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.
• Wonka | See how Willy became Wonka on the state’s largest screen Thursday, Dec. 14-Wednesday, Dec. 20

• We’re getting a peek behind the fence as the flatiron building at Phase II of the Bottleworks District nears completion. Hendricks Commercial Properties says “tenant build-outs are well underway and we’re looking forward to our first occupants in March.”

• The city announced a plan to rezone the area near Shelby and East Georgia streets to build a “housing hub” that will include the city’s first low-barrier shelter for unhoused residents. The proposed complex would be ~90,000 sqft + include 50 apartments, an emergency shelter, restrooms and shower facilities, a health center, and more. (IBJ)

• Design of the IndyGo Blue Line is 90% complete + will go through the historic Irvington neighborhood. The Blue Line will replace the current Route 8, which is a 24-mile stretch between Cumberland and the airport, and it will go along Washington Street and use I-70, west of Holt Road. (WRTV)

• Indy just got served. Pro volleyball is coming to Indianapolis + the Circle City is the 10th market to join the women’s Pro Volleyball Federation. The inaugural season is set for the spring of 2025. You can apply to become a player or reserve season tickets now.

• The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show — which kicked off downtown yesterday — is expected to generate an estimated $64.4 million in economic impact for the city. The three-day event includes 1,000+ businesses exhibiting the latest developments in racing products, technology, and services. (Inside IN Business)

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