Help out Cedar Park and Leander communities in a number of ways throughout the year by volunteering with local nonprofit groups.
Here are 26 ways to give back.
Key: A, application required; U, under age 18 allowed; BC, background check; O, orientation.
BETTER THE CITIES
1. Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County
Teams build homes for local low-income families. Volunteers assist in construction, office administration and customer service. They also handle donations at the thrift store for building materials called ReStore. Volunteers should contact [email protected]
Sample activities: various construction and renovation projects, landscaping, administrative work
2108 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown
512-863-4344
www.williamsonhabitat.org
[<18, O]
2. Hill Country Community Ministries
The nonprofit that provides food and clothing for people in crisis or poverty in southwest Williamson and northwest Travis counties. More volunteers are needed to sort food during the holidays.
Sample activities: sort food, sort clothes, pick up food at stores, serve
as caseworkers
1005 Lacy Drive, Leander
512-259-0360
www.hccm.org
[A, BC, <18]
3. Hope Alliance
Hope Alliance assists victims of family and sexual violence by providing support through services, shelter, healing, prevention and a variety of programs.
Sample activities: administrative help, work with survivors, join a committee, answer hotlines, help at the shelter
1011 Gattis School Road, Ste. 110, Round Rock
512-255-1212
www.hopealliancetx.org
[A, BC, O]
4. Meals on Wheels Central Texas
Volunteers deliver meals and offer safety checks, home repair, pet care and other services to older adults and people with disabilities in the community. Volunteers are in great demand for deliveries during the holiday season. Volunteers
under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sample activities: delivering meals, preparing meals, provide technology training to seniors, pet food delivery
3227 E. Fifth St., Austin
512-476-6325
www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org
[A, BC, O]
5. Operation Liberty Hill
Operation Liberty Hill is a nonprofit that operates out of Leander and serves Leander, Liberty Hill, Bertram and Briggs. It provides food, clothing and essential household items free of charge to those in need and operates a food pantry and thrift store. OLH is in need of volunteers to help sort and stock food items. Volunteers need to be over 17 or have an accompanying parent. They must pass a background check. Ema
il [email protected] or call for more information.
Sample activities: donation sorting, electronics testing, thrift store help, assembling food orders, front desk check-in, garden/yard work.
1401 N. Hwy 183, Leander
512-778-4175 (thrift store),
512-778-5077 (food pantry)
https://operationlh.org
[A, <18, BC, O]
6. Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties
The nonprofit serves Leander, Cedar Park and Liberty Hill. The organization offers Meals on Wheels, community services and Head Start programs to members of the community, and volunteers are needed for various programs year-round.
Sample activities: drive meals to homebound residents, prepare meals, Head Start classroom volunteers
351 N. Bagdad Road, Leander
512-259-0288
www.owbc-tx.org
[A, BC, O]
7. Reveal Resource Center
Reveal Resource Center is a nonprofit dedicated to feeding families. The organization accepts canned food, clothing, monetary donations and volunteers to work on Mondays and Tuesdays. Donations can be made from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Tuesdays and from 6:30-8 p.m. on Mondays. Those are the times that volunteers are needed as well.
Sample activities: sorting and distribution of food and clothing, bilingual speakers, prayer part
1150 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park
512-981-7721
www.revealresourcecenter.com
[A, <18]
8. The Salvation Army in Williamson County
The Salvation Army trains volunteers in disaster aid and other classes. The volunteers travel across Texas and around the country during times of disaster to provide food, hydration and comfort to victims and first responders. Volunteers may also ring red kettle bells as needed. Volunteers for non-disaster situations are asked to use the website.
Equipment is located in Georgetown and Liberty Hill.
Sample activities: first aid, distribute food and aid, endure difficult situations to help victims
512-818-4661
http://salvationarmyaustin.org/williamson-county-service-center
[A, BC, O]
9. United Way of Williamson County
The United Way focuses on improving individuals’ education, income, health and basic needs in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander and Taylor through a variety of endeavors.
Sample activities: training, MLK Day volunteers, service projects, tax preparation assistance
1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock
512-255-6799
www.unitedway-wc.org
[A, <18, BC, O]
HELP ANIMALS
10. The Dog Alliance
The nonprofit provides service dog placements for adults with challenges; Bow Wow Reading Dogs for at-risk readers; and therapy dog teams for hospitals, nursing homes and those dealing with post-traumatic stress. Volunteers can train to work with their own dog in a therapy setting or work with service dogs. Volunteers should be age 16 and older. Anyone wishing to volunteer should visit the website.
Sample activities: volunteer with dogs at hundreds of locations, raise service dog puppies, join Garden Club
1321 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
512-335-7100
www.thedogalliance.org
[A, <18, BC, O]
11. Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas
The center provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in its therapeutic horseback riding program, Hopeful Hearts Therapeutic Riding. Hopeful Hearts serves individuals with disabilities as well as veterans and their families. New volunteer orientation is provided monthly to teach horse-handling and side-walking. For more information on how to volunteer, email [email protected] or call the number below.
Sample activities: help care for horses, maintain property, assist children with riding
17000 Trails End Cove, Leander
512-484-8480
www.horseserct.org
[A, <18, BC, O]
12. Texas Humane Heroes
The nonprofit's mission is to eliminate pet homelessness. The organization travels across Texas to rescue at-risk animals from overcrowded municipal shelters. Texas Humane Heroes brings animals for adoption to PetSmart locations on the weekends and needs volunteers to help. Volunteers under age 16 must come with a registered adult volunteer that is at least 18. Volunteers pay a $20 registration fee and complete orientation.
Sample activities: dog and cat care, help in the clinic, administrative duties
10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
512-260-3602
www.humaneheroes.org
[A, <18, O]
13. Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
The shelter provides care for homeless animals and helps community members find pets for adoption. Volunteers are needed to support the staff. Volunteers must be age 12 or older. Those ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a guardian age 21 or older who is also a volunteer. Those interested must complete an application, orientation and training to join the team.
Sample activities: socializing animals, assisting with cleaning, working at fundraising and off-site events, office work, assisting customers at the shelter
1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown
512-943-3322
http://pets.wilco.org
[A, <18, BC, O]
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
14. Baker Sanctuary
The 715-acre preserve operated by Travis Audubon Society offers volunteer opportunities. People interested in volunteering can email [email protected] or call. Work days are scheduled every month.
Sample activities: bird survey and assessments, mulching plants, hauling brush, building trails, installing new plants
12308 Lime Creek Road, Leander
512-219-8425
https://travisaudubon.org/sanctuaries/baker-sanctuary
[A, <18, O]
Empower Children
15. Bags of Hope Ministry
Volunteers create handmade bags filled with toiletries and other items for girls ages 12-17 entering New Life Children’s Center, a rehabilitation center for girls who have been abused.
Sample activities: volunteers help by sewing bags, decorating notebooks, donating toiletries and making monetary donations
[email protected]
P.O. Box 140767, Austin
www.bagsofhopeministry.com
15. Bags of Hope Ministry
Volunteers create handmade bags filled with toiletries and other items for girls ages 12-17 entering New Life Children’s Center, a rehabilitation center for girls who have been abused.
Sample activities: volunteers help by sewing bags, decorating notebooks, donating toiletries and making monetary donations
[email protected]
P.O. Box 140767, Austin
www.bagsofhopeministry.com
16. CASA of Travis County
The organization encourages people to volunteer as advocates in the court system for children who have been abused or neglected.
Sample activities: volunteers spend time with the children they serve, participate in case meetings, review documents, write court reports and present to the judge in a child’s best interest
7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Ste. 200,
Austin
512-459-2272
www.casatravis.org/volunteer
[A, BC, O]
17. CASA of Williamson County
The organization provides trained, court-appointed volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children on their journey through the foster care system. Volunteers serve an 18-month commitment.
Sample activities: volunteers advocate for the best interest of the children they serve, prepare court reports, coordinate with people on the child welfare team and attend court
2100 Scenic Drive, Ste. 110,
Georgetown
512-868-2822
www.casawilco.org
[A, BC, O]
18. Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation
The organization funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities in LISD.
Sample activities: volunteers serve the community as board members or as volunteers in any of its events such as the MUDstacle & Family Fun Run and programs that support early childhood literacy and building a college- and career-ready culture among LISD students
P.O. Box 218, Leander
512-570-0027
www.leeftx.org
[A, <18, BC]
19. Reset Mentoring
The organization provides services to at-risk youth in and out of the juvenile justice system. The organization’s programs are shown to reduce recidivism rates and include mentoring, Bible studies, life skills classes and teen center activities.
Sample activities: volunteers can mentor, cook meals, assist with yearly outreach programs,
provide rides or teach life skills classes
P.O. Box 914, Leander
512-761-7217
www.resetmentoring.org
20. Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center
The organization provides assistance to abused children; non-offending family members; and the professionals dedicated to the intervention, investigation, prosecution and treatment options related to child abuse cases.
Sample activities: volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks; volunteers must be age 21 and older
1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown
512-943-3701
www.wilcocac.org
Serve seniors
21. AGE of Central Texas
The organization aids older adults living with dementia and other early memory-loss conditions in the Greater Round Rock community.
Sample activities: volunteers provide care and assist in programs
475 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 120, Round Rock
512-255-4865
www.ageofcentraltx.org
[A, U]
22. Drive a Senior-Northwest
The organization serves Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander. The program assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence.
Sample activities: volunteers drive older adults where they need to go, do home repairs and provide companionship to the elderly
10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin
512-250-5021
www.driveaseniornorthwest.org
[O]
23. Family Eldercare
Family Eldercare provides in-home care for elderly citizens who are in need of assistance.
Sample activities: volunteer opportunities include administrative tasks, helping clients to manage bills and finances, advocacy and more
805 W. University Ave., Georgetown
512-450-0844
www.familyeldercare.org
[O]
The organization encourages people to volunteer as advocates in the court system for children who have been abused or neglected.
Sample activities: volunteers spend time with the children they serve, participate in case meetings, review documents, write court reports and present to the judge in a child’s best interest
7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Ste. 200,
Austin
512-459-2272
www.casatravis.org/volunteer
[A, BC, O]
17. CASA of Williamson County
The organization provides trained, court-appointed volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children on their journey through the foster care system. Volunteers serve an 18-month commitment.
Sample activities: volunteers advocate for the best interest of the children they serve, prepare court reports, coordinate with people on the child welfare team and attend court
2100 Scenic Drive, Ste. 110,
Georgetown
512-868-2822
www.casawilco.org
[A, BC, O]
18. Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation
The organization funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities in LISD.
Sample activities: volunteers serve the community as board members or as volunteers in any of its events such as the MUDstacle & Family Fun Run and programs that support early childhood literacy and building a college- and career-ready culture among LISD students
P.O. Box 218, Leander
512-570-0027
www.leeftx.org
[A, <18, BC]
19. Reset Mentoring
The organization provides services to at-risk youth in and out of the juvenile justice system. The organization’s programs are shown to reduce recidivism rates and include mentoring, Bible studies, life skills classes and teen center activities.
Sample activities: volunteers can mentor, cook meals, assist with yearly outreach programs,
provide rides or teach life skills classes
P.O. Box 914, Leander
512-761-7217
www.resetmentoring.org
20. Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center
The organization provides assistance to abused children; non-offending family members; and the professionals dedicated to the intervention, investigation, prosecution and treatment options related to child abuse cases.
Sample activities: volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks; volunteers must be age 21 and older
1811 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown
512-943-3701
www.wilcocac.org
Serve seniors
21. AGE of Central Texas
The organization aids older adults living with dementia and other early memory-loss conditions in the Greater Round Rock community.
Sample activities: volunteers provide care and assist in programs
475 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 120, Round Rock
512-255-4865
www.ageofcentraltx.org
[A, U]
22. Drive a Senior-Northwest
The organization serves Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander. The program assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence.
Sample activities: volunteers drive older adults where they need to go, do home repairs and provide companionship to the elderly
10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin
512-250-5021
www.driveaseniornorthwest.org
[O]
23. Family Eldercare
Family Eldercare provides in-home care for elderly citizens who are in need of assistance.
Sample activities: volunteer opportunities include administrative tasks, helping clients to manage bills and finances, advocacy and more
805 W. University Ave., Georgetown
512-450-0844
www.familyeldercare.org
[O]
Support health and wellness
24. Kindred Hospice
The organization works with end-of-life patients in Burnet, Llano and Williamson counties.
Sample activities: volunteers work with patients and fill administrative needs
2913 Williams Drive, Ste. 320, Georgetown
512-868-0505
www.kindredhospice.com
25. Lone Star Circle of Care
The organization provides primary health care services throughout five counties in Central Texas.
Sample activities: volunteers do administrative tasks and other assignments
205 E. University Ave., Ste. 200, Georgetown
512-686-0207
www.lonestarcares.org
26. Samaritan Health Ministries
The clinic serves uninsured families.
Sample activities: volunteer opportunities are available inside and outside of the clinic; examples include administrative and office support, Spanish interpreters, medical volunteers, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, pharmacists, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses
700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park
512-331-5828
www.theshm.org
The organization works with end-of-life patients in Burnet, Llano and Williamson counties.
Sample activities: volunteers work with patients and fill administrative needs
2913 Williams Drive, Ste. 320, Georgetown
512-868-0505
www.kindredhospice.com
25. Lone Star Circle of Care
The organization provides primary health care services throughout five counties in Central Texas.
Sample activities: volunteers do administrative tasks and other assignments
205 E. University Ave., Ste. 200, Georgetown
512-686-0207
www.lonestarcares.org
26. Samaritan Health Ministries
The clinic serves uninsured families.
Sample activities: volunteer opportunities are available inside and outside of the clinic; examples include administrative and office support, Spanish interpreters, medical volunteers, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, pharmacists, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses
700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park
512-331-5828
www.theshm.org