Two and a half days of good food, good living, and good deeds.

DO
Volunteer with the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross
What: Train to help provide some of the 500,000 meals per day needed for estimated 30,000 evacuees.
Why: Do it for — if nothing else — the karma.
When: Call Fri.-Sun.
Where: Pease International Tradeport, 4 Arboretum Dr., Newington (603-766-5440).

GO
Heels, Wheels, and Paddles
What: Special packages include cycling tours, guided walks and hikes, kayaking, and picnics.
Why: Beat the leaf-peeping rush.
When: Now thru mid-Nov.
Where: The Woodstock Inn, 14 The Green, Woodstock, Vermont (802-457-1100).

HEAR
Writers4Relief
What: Local authors Alice Hoffman, Tom Perrotta, and Lois Lowry, among others, read from works about the South to benefit victims of Katrina.
Why: It’s like your lit prof said: A good book can change the world.
When: Sun., 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Newtonville Books, 296 Walnut St., Newtonville (617-244-6619). Tickets: $30.

EAT
Brunch Debuts at Rialto
What: Three courses and a Bloody Mary bar.
Why: Brioche French toast with strawberry-basil crush. ’Nuff said.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Rialto, The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge (617-661-5050).

The Chocolate Bar Returns
What: The all-you-can-scarf buffet inaugurates a fondue station and a bar full of truffle lollipops to dunk in cayenne pepper, ginger, and saffron dips.
Why: Willy Wonka, eat your heart out. Literally.
When: Sat., noon-2 p.m.
Where: Cafe Fleuri, Langham Hotel, 250 Franklin St., Financial District (617-451-1900).