Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Starting today, Colorado Springs nonprofits offer volunteer opportunities for residents to support local groups—contacts are provided for organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Community Partnership for Child Development.

Jane left a toxic situation to get help from Partners in Housing and build a better life for her young son.

With support from the Empty Stocking Fund — matching donations from local foundations — she earned her RN license, increased her income at a local hospital, saved money for a car, and plans to continue therapy as she looks toward new opportunities.

Local nonprofits are preparing free Thanksgiving meals for thousands of low-income residents—Springs Rescue Mission will serve a sit-down meal with prepped turkeys on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its campus—and several other groups will offer meals and winter supplies on Thursday.

A Peyton man, Dustin Story, started a free 24-hour food pantry out of his driveway earlier this month to support families in eastern El Paso County where access to traditional food banks is limited—he began with three plastic totes and a hand-painted sign.

The pantry served its first visitors within hours and has received international donations via TikTok, helping provide items such as milk, eggs and fresh produce to those in need.

Guy Theriot, a Teller County motorcycle crash survivor, was saved when first responders used whole blood—developed with UCHealth and the Colorado Springs Fire Department—to treat his severe injuries on a rural road, showing the program’s life-saving impact in emergencies.

PNC agreed to buy FirstBank on September 8 and will keep its local teams—whose leadership remains intact—to expand lending for businesses and support nonprofit programs in Colorado Springs.

Starting this December, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band will move its Holly & Ivy Holiday Concert from the Pikes Peak Center to Arnold Hall — free tickets are available for shows on December 3-4 and 9.

A one-hour reception with cadet music clubs and light refreshments will precede the 80-minute concert — visitors must show a valid ID and ticket to gain entry.

Colorado outdoors lovers and local officials shared their favorite natural spots, with a climber praising the raw beauty of the Needle Mountains and a runner highlighting the challenge of Hope Pass.

Their stories show strong local pride in nature—especially with Fishers Peak now a new state park—reminding everyone that Colorado's great outdoors still hold hidden wonders.

The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department issued permits and work began on Royal Pines Apartments in the Pine Creek neighborhood to build 232 affordable housing units near North Union and North Powers in Colorado Springs.

Local residents have raised concerns that the $39 million project—set to add much-needed housing—may worsen traffic congestion and safety risks.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

6-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — Experience an exciting evening of comedy where both seasoned performers and first-timers showcase their talent.

Thanksgiving Potluck and Jam Session

3-6 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Bring a dish to share — Enjoy a cozy Thanksgiving meal with turkey and live music afterward.

Taproom Sessions: Chinaflower Suncats

5-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Chinaflower Suncats while savoring craft beers in a vibrant atmosphere.

Arts and Crafts Winter Market

11 AM – 4 PM — Old Colorado City Historical Society & History Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with local artisans, handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere.

Holiday Market & Photos with Santa

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy holiday shopping, local crafts, and festive photos with Santa.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages while sipping a pint at a local brewery.

Bleating Heart Night: Citizens Project

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting a local non-profit cause.

Weekly Trivia Night at Pub Dog Colorado

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free entry — Test your knowledge in a fun and casual trivia competition with your furry friends.

Music Bingo at Pub Dog Colorado

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — All ages welcome — Bring your family and pups for an evening of fun music bingo with Olson Entertainment.

Merry & Bright Brunch

10 AM – 12 PM — The Catalyst Campus For Technology & Innovation — Ticketed event — Celebrate with good food and warm drinks as you connect with the community looking ahead to 2026.