Help your community by volunteering at one of the many nonprofit organizations in the Lake Travis-Westlake area. This list is not comprehensive.

Animal services

Austin Animal Center is a city-run no-kill shelter. Volunteers are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The nonprofit is operating services and opportunities by appointment only.

• Sample activities: Volunteers can greet adopters at the shelter, provide outreach, give enrichment to dogs or cats, serve as adoption ambassadors or provide medical assistance.
• Donations: Monetary donations are accepted online while item donations can be dropped off at the shelter or ordered online through the shelter’s Amazon wish list.
• 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin
• www.austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center

Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions is a no-kill, privately run shelter in Lago Vista that serves the Austin-area and Lakeway.

• Sample activities: Volunteers are needed to assist with dog and cat caretaking, fundraising, adoption counseling and off-site events
• Donations: Donations are accepted online, by mail or through the shelter’s Amazon wish list.
• 20803 FM 1431, Lago Vista
• www.lagovistapaws.org

Human services

Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Central Texas area, serving more than 46,000 people every week.

• Sample activities: Volunteers can sort food donations, assist with the mobile food pantry and work in a community garden or community kitchen.
• Donations: Donations are accepted online, by phone or mail.
• 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin
• www.centraltexasfoodbank.org

Red Arena serves children and adults with disabilities through equine assisted therapies, therapeutic riding sessions, reading programs, family support, social skill groups, job training programs and summer camps.

• Sample activities: Volunteers can groom horses, fundraise and walk beside riders.
• Donations: Monetary donations can be made online, by mail or through purchases at the Red Arena gift shop, Amazon wish list.
• 2435 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs
• www.redarena.org

Happy Hooves Healing Hearts Rescue and Animal Sanctuary works with local school groups and organizations for educational purposes and programs that support children with autism, PTSD and disabilities. Happy Hooves incorporates animal therapy with children.

• Sample activities: Volunteers help take care of the animals on property. Fosters are also needed.
• Donations: Monetary donations can be made online. Sponsorships of animals are also available.
• 15603 Checotah Drive, Austin
• www.happyhooveshealinghearts.org

Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry that empowers communities into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. Its mission is to provide food and clothing, cultivate community, and promote dignity to those in need.

• Sample activities: Volunteers at the St. John Neumann Commissary can organize, prepare and deliver meals. Opportunities at the Community First! Village may include gardening, prepping microhomes and more.
• Donations: Donations accepted online including one-time donations, monthly gifts and planned giving.
• 9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin
• www.mlf.org

SCORE Austin is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses begin and grow. The organization was founded in 1964 as a partner of the Small Business Administration.

• Sample activities: Become a mentor or workshop presenter.
• Donations: one-time and monthly donations online
• Park Bldg. M, 5524 Bee Cave Road, Westland, Austin
• www.score.org/austin

Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides resources for students and staff in the district through fundraising.

• Sample activities: participating in book drives, planning or administering events, serving as a LEEF ambassador or on the board of directors
• Donations accepted: monetary gifts
• 204 W. South St., Leander
• www.leeftx.org

Lake Travis Youth Association is a volunteer organization providing athletic programs to children in Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood and the surrounding area. The program offers children from kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to participate in sports regardless of their ability, disability, skill level or financial need.

• Sample activities: coaching, serving as a referee or an umpire for organized games, and administrative roles
• Donations: Businesses can become sponsors.
• 2101 Lakeway Blvd., Ste. 115, Lakeway
• www.ltya.org

Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture and antiques. Profits are donated to local charities.

• Sample activities: Volunteers are needed to work in the store.
• Donations: Donations are accepted Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Items accepted range from clothing to furniture.
• 440 Medical Parkway, Lakeway
• www.laketravisthriftshop.com

Civic

Hill Country Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural areas, such as rivers and scenic vistas, as well as working farms and ranches in the Texas Hill Country.

• Sample activities: trail clean up and gardening
• Donations: Hill Country Conservancy accepts one-time donations online and monthly donations through the Wellspring program.
• 5524 Bee Caves Road, g4, Austin
• www.hillcountryconservancy.org

Education

Eanes Education Foundation’s mission is to seek financial support for Eanes ISD within the community to sustain districtwide programs and help fund teacher and staff positions.

• Sample activities: Volunteers can participate in various activities throughout the year, including at the annual gala and the Teacher Fund campaign.
• Donations: Monetary donations are accepted online and at events.
• 601 Camp Craft Road, Austin
• www.eaneseducationfoundation.org

Girlstart empowers girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Sample activities: Volunteers are needed to lead hands-on STEM activities, serve as guest speakers, write inspirational note cards and more.
• Donations: Donations are accepted online.
• 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin
• www.girlstart.org

Lake Travis Education Foundation connects volunteers and donors to provide financial resources and support to Lake Travis ISD programs and initiatives.

• Sample activities: Volunteers can help prepare for, attend and support five main events throughout the year, including events such as the Turkey Trot.
• Donations: Donations are accepted online and at events.
• 607 N. RM 620, Lakeway
• www.lteducationfoundation.org