Whoa. If you’re anything like us, then you need at least a week to prepare for an event this challenging. (And don’t think for a minute that we don’t know what a sad commentary that is on our particular state of affairs.) Next Fri, Nov 26 is Buy Nothing Day. Buy nothing. Consume nothing. Pay for nothing. Think that one through. No gas in the car, no drinks at the bar, no quick trip to the fast-food fix. Nothing. Go ahead and try. You’ll discover how tough it is to pry that consumer monkey off your back while you’re trying to dismount that shopping horse! Or whatever. We plan on giving it a shot, and suggest that if you are interested in doing the same that you first check out the Adbusters’ (“official sponsors,” ha ho, of the day) Web site for inspiration. Adbusters is the culture jamming magazine brainbaby of the social activism thinktank the Media Foundation, based all the way up north in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. http://www.adbusters.org or 800/663-1243. Did you hear us laugh out loud? Sorry, don’t mind us. Computer Sciences Corporation, or, as they are more commonly known, CSC, according to their motto, is committed to “making Austin a better spot.” Yeah, we think that every time we pass the corner of Second & Guadalupe. Hnyuk. Long Live Liberty Who? Not to carp about the major sponsor of a local event promoting a good cause, but, geez — a better spot?? Sorry, but we thought we were pretty good in the first place, before all of this smarty pants growth. Do we smell defensiveness? Must they to rub it in? The CSC “Spot” 15K Run & Relay, Sat, Nov 20, 7:30pm, 9500 Arboretum, is a benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), long-term court reps for severely abused and neglected children. Nothing funny there. It’s serious business, and CASA is seriously committed to this service and has helped so many children through the confusing maze of the Texas courts. CASA Gets $7 for every registered entrant. The run consists of two segments, 5K and 10K. It’s all a part of the RunTex distance challenge, a series of race/runs which culminate in the February Motorola Marathon. 338-7709. Whether due to guilt-inducing reminders that we Americans are wallowing in excess, a sincere desire to help, or tax breaks at the end of the year, the charitable season is upon us.
Coats for Kids issues coat vouchers to kids in need. The vouchers are then cashed in at City Coliseum on Sat, Dec 11. Before that happens, of course, the cache of coats must be amassed. So listen up: If you have a kid ‘twixt the ages of 0-18, chances are your ballooning little darling is bursting at the seams, with last year’s clothing a fond, if high-watered and shorter-sleeved memory. Give away those gently useds that don’t quite fit right. There will be a special barrel at the Junior League’s A Christmas Affair at Palmer Auditorium this Sun, Nov 21, 2-4pm, to receive your generous donations. Any child who donates a coat will get in free to the affair, the League’s annual high-end shopping and gift idea blitz. If you can’t make it there, Jack Brown Cleaners will accept the coat donations Sun, Nov 21-Fri, Dec 10. 467-8982×279.
We love homespun events like this. And we mean homespun, as the event is being held in someone’s back yard. The Turkey Day Benefit, Sat, Nov 20, 7:30pm promises good music (gospel, folk, bluegrass), good comedy, and a good warm vibe knowing that your $5 admission will help buy Thanksgiving Dinner for Residents of the Austin Housing Authority. The place is 810 E. 44th, and the coordinators ask that you park at the First Evangelical Free Church on the corner of 45th & Red River. Bring a blanket and RSVP. 339-3625 or 467-8398.
This time of year in Austin, you can’t spit and miss hitting some Food Drive or another; they’re everywhere. This Sun, Nov 21, 11am-3pm is ClayWays Pottery’s annual Empty Bowl Project, where guests may purchase a new bowl thrown by a local potter and fill it with yummy soup donated by one of many area restaurants. The official Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank began last week and will run through Sun, Dec 5. 282-2111. This Mon, Nov 22, 11am-3pm, Goodwill will host Punch In, a job fair and block party at Doris Miller Auditorium, 2300 Rosewood. More than 20 companies will be on hand to recruit qualified workers. This event is free, free, free. Bring a résumé, have picture ID ready , dress casual, and be prepared to interview. 480-0772. 
This article appears in November 19 • 1999.
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