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You are invited to take part in the 2024 Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28th, at 9 a.m.. The race starts and finishes next to Albemarle High School and the course is held on the surrounding neighborhood roads consisting of flat stretches and mild rolling hills. The race beneficiaries are the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. Both provide critical food resources to those in need. To sign up or for more information, go to Charlottesville Turkey Trot dot Com.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Charlottesville is accepting applications to Board Academy through the end of November. This is a 16-week learning program beginning in January 2025 that prepares community members for board and committee service in nonprofits, municipal government, and community organizations. Board Academy is open both to those new to board service as well as experienced board members. Younger emerging leaders and those from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit The C N E dot Org

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and its partners serve more than 148,000 people each month and the need for food assistance is at an all-time high. Thanks to a matching donation, on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, a gift to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank can double in impact. For more information, and to find a food bank serving your area, visit B R A F B dot Org

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, based in Nelson County, is dedicated to creating a vibrant and compassionate future for wildlife in Virginia and beyond. The devoted team of wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers rescue and care for more than 900 animals annually from across Virginia. The team also leads educational programming so folks from all walks of life can learn about the importance of our wild neighbors and native species. For more information, including ways to volunteer and a schedule of events with the center's animal ambassadors, visit Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary dot Org

A five-cent plastic bag tax is in effect in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Sierra Club Piedmont Group encourages you to use, reuse and recycle reusable bags rather than using plastic or paper bags for groceries and merchandise. You can recycle clean, gently used reusable bags, which the Sierra Club will redistribute  to individuals who need them. The drop-off locations are: "Refill Renew" at 171-B Allied Lane off of McIntire Road; and The Scrappy Elephant, 1745 Allied St Suite C, both in Charlottesville. E-mail your questions to aadann@gmail.com.

Abortion is still legal in Virginia, and Blue Ridge Abortion Fund continues to fund abortions for Virginians and people traveling to Virginia for abortion care. You can volunteer your time and skills to help keep the organization running. Or raise funds by hosting a house party or benefit event. Learn more online at Blue Ridge Abortion Fund dot org.

Wild Virginia works to protect and connect Virginia’s wild places. Along with partners, alliances, and citizens, Wild Virginia carries on the fight against fracked gas pipelines in the region like the Mountain Valley Pipeline. It also works to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife throughout Virginia and to ensure that all of the Commonwealth's waterways are fully protected in accordance with the law. To learn more about how you can help, visit Wild Virginia dot Org

Community Attention Foster Families is a public foster care agency and division of the Human Services Department for the City of Charlottesville. They recruit, train, and provide ongoing support to foster parents for children in our community. Their greatest needs are for families who will foster sibling groups, teens, and LGBTQ individuals. They hold information sessions virtually each month and invite caring individuals and families to register to attend. They are also open to having individual conversations about the decision to pursue fostering. Learn more by visiting Charlottesville dot Gov slash Foster or by calling 434-970-3735.