Senior Services is a nonprofit that helps older adults in need of care. | Photo by Senior Services Inc.
Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Winston-Salem to support with your time.
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 20+ ways to get involved in the Twin City.
If you want to help your neighbors in need
Samaritan Ministries | Help Winston-Salem’s only soup kitchen serve food from the kitchen daily.
dinner + a/ movie: The Lunchbox | 6 p.m. | a/perture Cinema | $65+ | Watch a rare lunchbox mix-up in Mumbai turn into a fantasy, plus enjoy a blend of Indian-fusion cuisine, inspired by the movie, at Oh’ Calcutta after.
Thursday, May 15
Indie Lens Pop-Up series | 6 p.m. | Forsyth County Central Library auditorium | Free | Watch unique films and documentaries, then stick around for a post-show conversation.
Fredrik Backman | 7-8 p.m. | R. J. Reynolds Auditorium | $40 | Backman will be in conversation with bestselling author Charlie Lovett to discuss his latest book, “My Friends” — tickets include a pre-signed copy.
Friday, May 16
Innovation & Cinema: “Pitch Perfect” | 7-11 p.m. | Bailey Park | Free | Aca-scuse me, did you know that local food trucks will be dishing out dinner prior to this outdoor film screening?
In the Beginning... | 7-8:15 p.m. | Old Salem Museums & Gardens | $5+ | Experience music heard in 18th-century Salem, NC, at this concert by the Moramus Chorale and the Vivaldi Project string trio.*
Saturday, May 17
Dream Asia Food Fest | Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 | 12-10 p.m. | 569 Fairgrounds Blvd, Gate 7 | $13+ | Grab bites from 70+ Asian food vendors, shop from a vendor market, and try hands-on workshops like lantern-making.
Heralded by The Washington Post as “small, yet riveting,” this national touring exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Wyeth’s profound connection to nature, but officially closes here in WS on Sunday, May 25.
Stop by and explore, or join the Curator Talk this Saturday, May 17, for an in-depth examination of Wyeth’s works.
Celebrate Kendra Scott’s opening, Saturday, May 17 at the Thruway Shopping Center. Shop items like fragrances, jewelry, and watches at the designer store. A portion of all proceeds will go toward LEAD Girls of NC and Ronald McDonald House Charities. RSVP to join the weekend festivities.
Biz
Nonprofits can earn up to $1,500 in grant money thanks to the Truliant Foundation’s Community Mini Grants program, which aims to support professional development and staff training. Applications are due Saturday, May 31 and winners will be notified in early August.
Try This
Registration for Sawtooth’s summer classes and workshops opens today. Sessions run from July to September. New workshop offerings include Black and White Photography, Sculptural Beadmaking, and Woodworking.
State
North Carolina ranked No. 13 among the best states in the US, according to US News & World Report. Factors like education, economic stability, and healthcare were taken into consideration. Curious about Winston-Salem’s stats when it comes to tourism? Check out these numbers.
Trending
TikTok food critic + influencer (with 17 million followers) Keith Lee says he’s headed to the Carolinas, and the Triad is on his radar. Is there a local spot that’s a must-visit for Lee? Let us know. Pro tip: He typically hits hyper-local restaurants that are a bit off the beaten path and deserve more spotlight.
Award
Winstonian Leroy Smith was named a winner in the video and film category of the 29th Annual Webby Awards for his documentary, “Leroy Smith: Michael Jordan’s Myth.” Smith’s work joins a lineup of standout winners, including projects featuring Simone Biles, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar.
Correction
Uh-oh. We ran the numbers too fast. The proposed county budget for property value is $0.042 above the revenue-neutral rate due to the increase in real estate values. Check out the breakdown of the FY26 Forsyth County budget.
Number
$1,300. That’s how much money per year you could be wasting overpaying on car insurance, according to a 2024 survey. See if you’re overspending.*
The Buy
As temperatures rise, we’re upgrading our wardrobe with some new warm weather hangout attire. These are some of our favorite finds:
I’d recommend Keith Lee to check out Cha Da Thai on Jonestown Road. This hidden gem serves some of the best Thai dishes like the Thai sampler for a great value. Another rec would be the African Avenue food truck, which serves mouthwatering plates that’ll transport you to West Africa. Get a taste of Jollof rice with fried fish and plantains, and you’ll not be disappointed.
Answered
Answered
Yesterday, we asked which area the county should prioritize the most when it comes to the FY26 county budget — this is what you said:
An overwhelming majority, 59%, are all about education and the school system
19% emphasized public safety, closely tied with economic stability, which came in third at 14%
The remaining 8% vouched for road improvement and other areas
Other priorities readers included are housing for disadvantaged populations, parks, more walkable pathways, and higher compensation for city workers.
Hey [First Name], I wanted to personally send you this quick note. I hope you're doing well! Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Feel free to reply, and we can chat more. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
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