Good morning, Syracuse.

Onondaga County libraries in Syracuse are hosting donation drives and free food programs ahead of the holidays — Mundy Branch is partnering with a local non-profit for a community closet, White Branch offers free food to program participants, Paine Branch holds a canned food drive for Blessed Sacrament church, and Solvay Library accepts food, hygiene items and Pokémon cards. Residents are encouraged to call ahead for details.

Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church held its annual Community Care Day where over 40 volunteers and Divine Nine sorors served hot meals, main courses, and pantry staples to support those preparing for Thanksgiving—demonstrating a strong community effort.

The church invites residents to donate or volunteer while its pantry remains open every fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

On November 16, Price Chopper and Market 32 collected nearly $200,000 in pennies from customers and gave them gift cards worth about $395,000 in exchange+ the trade helped shoppers with their holiday budgets and aided the stores in managing a shortage of coins.

Syracuse-born actor Tom Cruise received his first honorary Oscar at the Governors’ Awards on Nov.

16 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles — an honor recognizing his 40-year film career after four competitive nominations.

Central New York shoppers are searching for good Thanksgiving deals as grocery prices, including a 25% rise in turkey cost, push them to plan carefully.

Tops offers a discount on a premium turkey with a $25 spend—while Wegmans will soon launch a special pricing deal that lets families build a full meal for under six dollars per person.

Nine local clothing shops in Syracuse offer a unique style scene with vintage finds, SU game-day gear, and skate culture.

Shop owners curate collections that showcase local history and personal stories—reinforcing the city's unexpected fashion flair.

High school girls volleyball state finals will be played today at Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls—tickets cost $13.60 and teams will compete in Class AA, AAA, and D matches.

The matches will stream live on the NFHS Network—Class AA starts at 9 a.m. and Class AAA and D begin at 11:30 a.m.

The Christian Brothers Academy football team beat Elmira 42-7 in a state playoff regional game Saturday—keeping its record 11-0 and advancing toward a third straight state title.

They will play in the state semis at 6 p.m. on November 29 at Cicero-North Syracuse—bolstering their winning streak toward the title.

Section III coaches recently announced the 2025 Salt City Athletic Conference Metro boys volleyball all-stars—selected from schools such as Cicero-North Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Liverpool and Fayetteville-Manlius—to recognize top local talent across first team, second team and honorable mentions.

Syracuse readers can vote for the best forward in Section V for the 2025-26 high school girls basketball season, with voting closing Saturday, Nov.

29 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern + coach surveys helped form the list of top candidates.

The hosts on Ostrom Avenue Podcast discussed Syracuse men's basketball prospects in Las Vegas and previewed upcoming challenges for the women's team and football team.

Former Syracuse basketball player Eric Devendorf gave his insights — sharing his views on how the teams may perform in their future games.

Friends Of The Central Library Author Series: Liz Moore

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — $ — Enjoy a night of literary insights with acclaimed author Liz Moore.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Ticket required for ages 2+ — Sing, dance, and play with Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.

Gingerbread Gallery Grand Opening

4-6 p.m. — Erie Canal Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive gingerbread creations, cookies, cocoa, and live music.

Live Like Liam 5K Run & Walk

8:30-10 a.m. — Jamesville-DeWitt High School — Registration required — Celebrate life and community while supporting children with special needs in honor of Liam Zoghby.

Anime Night Before Christmas

7-11 p.m. — The Song & Dance — Ticketed event — Experience the blend of anime culture with live music, vendors, and cosplay fun.

Syracuse City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Cost TBD — Enjoy the annual holiday favorite as Syracuse City Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life.

Syracuse City Ballet's The Nutcracker

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of the holiday season with the annual presentation of The Nutcracker by the Syracuse City Ballet.

The Bog Brothers Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $13.07 — Experience a lively evening of Americana music with The Bog Brothers, a local favorite blending roots and folk styles.

Guys and Dolls

7-10 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Check website for ticket pricing — A classic musical filled with charm and wit set in New York City.

Twelve Twenty Four: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute

6-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — $— Experience an electrifying holiday spectacle with the nation's original TSO tribute band featuring soaring guitars and dazzling lights.