Outdoorsy types

• Keep Lakeland Beautiful, Inc. | Take part in a monthly cleanup to keep lakes and roadways clear of litter.
• Hollis Garden | If you’ve got a green thumb, get your hands dirty by helping out in this public garden overlooking Lake Mirror.

Help your neighbors in need

• kidsPACK | Pack food for children in need to eat over the weekends.
• Parker Street Ministries | Serve the Parker Street neighborhood through community events, summer camps, and an Academic Enrichment Program.

Natural-born teachers and mentors

• Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) | Be part of ACE’s education initiatives that reach over 50,000 students each year.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County | Connect with children in after-school sports, leadership, and academic programs.

Animal lovers

• SPCA Florida | Bring a group and participate in a service project to benefit the animals in this shelter.
• Saving Paws Rescue of Florida | Help out at animal adoption events across Lakeland, or volunteer with adoptable cats at Kitty Cat Lounge.

• Fun Run, Music Bingo & Gin Khao | Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Participate in this weekly fun run, then cool off with your favorite brew and views of Lake Wire.
• A Pastel Winter Moon | Tuesday, Nov. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | We may not have snow in Florida, but you can paint your own snowy scene in this guided class.

• Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and water to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older — locations vary by day.

• BSP Trivia Night | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Enjoy half-off draft beers, house wines, and select liquors while you put your general knowledge to the test.
• Union Hall Presents EDM Nights | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 8 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Bassix and Vibe Heavy are taking the stage at this night of electronic dance music.

• Just Between Friends Holiday Sale | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $0-$10 | Shop for children’s clothing and gear, or resell your own items at this consignment market — parking is free.
• Southeastern University School of Music’s Christmas Concerts | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Bush Chapel at Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland | $5-$10 | The SEU orchestra, choir, jazz ensemble, and contemporary band will perform holiday music.

• Polk County could purchase up to five properties for its Environmental Lands Program. Earlier this month, a land selection committee recommended purchasing properties near Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Haines City, and Bartow. The program uses funds from an ad valorem property tax voted in last year. (The Ledger)

• The Florida Children’s Museum has been included on the One Tampa Bay list, which honors 50 businesses + nonprofits that benefit their communities. FCM has hosted over 2 million guests since opening as Explorations V in 1991. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

• The final headliner for the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival has been announced. Country singer Cody Johnson will close out the festival on Sunday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for all headline entertainers go on sale on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. (WFLA)

• Trade your umbrella for a sweater. Hurricane season is expected to end quietly this Thursday, Nov. 30 without much activity. Cooler temperatures are finally rolling in as a cold front makes its way from northeast Florida. (The Ledger)

• Beth Ashmore is PCPS’ 2024 Teacher of the Year. Ashmore, an 18-year teaching veteran, teaches third grade at Padgett Elementary School in north Lakeland. Read more about her success in the classroom, education experience, and inspiration. (LkldNow)

• Join the City of Lakeland’s Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, Dec. 16 to raise money for the Three Parks Trail Perpetual Fund. Wear your most festive fitness gear for a 5K around Cleveland Heights Golf Course and Lake John. Registration ends on Dec. 13.

• ‘Tis the season to support small businesses. The Holiday Night Market will span five downtown blocks on Saturday, Dec. 9, 5-10 p.m. Shop from 150+ vendors curated by Downtown Lakeland, Buena Market, Lakeland Punk Flea, and Art Crawl.

• Looking for the perfect gift that always feels new? Give a glimpse into the sublime with a Polk Museum of Art membership, packed with benefits + ideal for individuals, families, art lovers, and travel enthusiasts alike. See events, exhibitions, and membership details this way.*

• Apparently a degree really does pay off. A recent study shows that people with a Bachelor’s or Graduate degree can earn up to 155% more than a high school graduate. See how SEU can get you there: Sign up for a virtual info session for Online Bachelor’s and Graduate degrees.*

• Big box stores continue to lobby for the Credit Card Competition Act — a bill that could dismantle credit card rewards. If signed into law, corporations would benefit from lower fees by potentially sacrificing the security and benefits of cardholders. Learn more about the bill and ways to voice your stance.**

• 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.*