COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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]. 2108 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown 512-863-4344 www.williamsonhabitat.org

2. Hill Country Community Ministries is a nonprofit that provides food and clothing for people in crisis or poverty in Southwest Williamson and Northwest Travis counties. Volunteers help in the food pantry and clothes closet, pick up food at retail stores and serve as caseworkers. HCCM’s thrift store is slated to open in January, and volunteers will be needed. Volunteers are needed to sort food during the holidays. 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander 512-259-0360 www.hccm.org

3. Hope Alliance provides services and counseling to victims of family and sexual violence. Volunteers answer crisis calls and assist in a variety of programs. 1011 Gattis School Road, Ste. 106, Round Rock 512-255-1212 www.hopealliancetx.org

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 needed for deliveries during the holiday season. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin 512-476-6325 www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org

5. 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. Volunteers work in the donation sorting area, thrift store, garden and food pantry. 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. Email [email protected] or call for more information. 1401 N. Hwy 183, Leander 512-778-4175 (thrift store), 512-778-5077 (food pantry) https://operationlh.org

6. Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties 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. 351 N. Bagdad Road, Leander 512-259-0288 www.owbc-tx.org

7. Reveal Resource Center is a nonprofit dedicated to feeding families. The organization accepts canned food, clothing, monetary donations and volunteer work. 1150 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park 512-981-7721 www.revealresourcecenter.com

8. The Salvation Army in Williamson County takes disaster volunteers, who complete disaster training 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. Equipment is located in Georgetown and Liberty Hill 512-913-1132 www.salvationarmyaustin.org/volunteer

9. Twin Lakes Family YMCA & Camp Twin Lakes offers programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Volunteer opportunities include coaching sports, helping with special events and helping with camp workdays. Volunteers must be over age 18, and background checks are required. 204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park 512-250-9622 www.ymcagwc.org/cedar-park

10. United Way of Williamson County focuses on improving individuals’ education, income, health and basic needs. Volunteers are needed for the MLK Day of service projects and to assist with tax preparation in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander and Taylor. 1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock 512-255-6799 www.unitedway-wc.org

EDUCATION/YOUTH SERVICES

11. Austin Steam Train Association volunteers can serve as car attendants on board the organization’s train. They can join the train crew as an engineer, conductor or brakeman. Volunteers also help with restoring historic cars in the railyard and assist the staff in the office with various duties. Those interested can email [email protected], call or stop by. Volunteers complete an orientation to learn about railroad safety. Volunteers start as car attendants and move up from there. 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C100, Cedar Park 512-477-8468, ext. 205 www.austinsteamtrain.org

12. Bags of Hope creates handmade bags filled with toiletries and other items for girls 12-17 entering New Life Children’s center. The group’s mission is to offer hope that people care for them through the gift of the lovingly made bag. Volunteers help by sewing bags, decorating notebooks, purchasing items for the bags and more. People may contact [email protected] for more information. P.O. Box 140767, Austin 512-762-4641 https://sites.google.com/view/bags-of-hope/welcome

13. CASA of Travis County encourages members of the community to volunteer as advocates in the court system for children who have been abused or neglected. Volunteers spend time with CASA children, participate in case meetings and review documents. 7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Ste. 200, Austin 512-459-2272 www.casatravis.org/volunteer

14. CASA of Williamson County provides trained, court-appointed volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused or neglected children on their journey to a safe, permanent home. Training is provided for volunteers. 2100 Scenic Drive,  Ste. 110, Georgetown 512-868-2822 www.casawilco.org

15. Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities. LEEF needs individuals interested in serving the community as board members or as volunteers in any of its programs, which include early childhood literacy and building a college- and career-ready culture among Leander ISD students. To volunteer, email [email protected]. P.O. Box 218, Leander 512-570-0027 www.leeftx.org

16. Reset Mentoring is an organization that provides services to at-risk youth both 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. Volunteers can mentor, cook meals, assist with yearly outreach programs, provide rides or teach life skills classes for juveniles. Anyone wishing to volunteer can send an email to [email protected]. P.O. Box 914, Leander 512-761-7217 www.resetmentoring.org

17. Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center 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. 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

ANIMALS/NATURE

18. Baker Sanctuary, a 715-acre preserve operated by Travis Audubon Society, offers volunteer opportunities, including mulching plants, hauling brush, building trails, installing new plants and more. People interested in volunteering can email [email protected] or call. Work days are scheduled every month. 12308 Lime Creek Road, Leander 512-219-8425 https://travisaudubon.org/sanctuaries/baker-sanctuary

19. The Dog Alliance provides service dog placements for adults with challenges, Bow Wow Reading Dogs for at-risk readers, and therapy dog teams for hospitals and nursing homes. 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. They must pass a background check and attend orientation and training. Anyone wishing to volunteer should visit the website. 1321 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park 512-335-7100 www.thedogalliance.org

20. Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas provides opportunities for volunteers to participate in its therapeutic horseback riding program, Hopeful Hearts Therapeutic Riding. Hopeful Hearts serves individuals with disabilities and 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. 17000 Trails End Cove, Leander 512-484-8480 www.horseserct.org

21. Texas Humane Heroes’ mission is to eliminate pet homelessness. The organization travels across Texas to rescue at-risk animals from overcrowded municipal shelters. Volunteers can help with dog and cat care, clinic needs and administrative duties. 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 registration fee and complete orientation. 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander 512-260-3602 www.humaneheroes.org

22. Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter provides care for homeless animals and helps community members find pets for adoption. Volunteers are needed to support the staff by socializing animals, assisting with cleaning, working at fundraising and off-site events, office work and assisting customers at the shelter. 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. 1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown 512-943-3322 http://pets.wilco.org

HEALTH SERVICES

23. Kindred Hospice works with end-of-life patients in Burnet, Llano and Williamson counties. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, and volunteers are especially needed in the Cedar Park and Leander areas. Volunteers are needed for patients and administrative needs. People interested in volunteering should visit the website or call. 2913 Williams Drive, Ste. 320, Georgetown 512-868-0505 www.kindredhospice.com

24. Lone Star Circle of Care provides primary health care services throughout five counties in Central Texas. Volunteers help with administrative tasks and other assignments. The organization has various offices around Central Texas. The main office is located at 205 E. University Ave., Ste. 200, Georgetown 512-686-0207 www.lonestarcares.org

25. Samaritan Health Ministries is a clinic serving uninsured families that offers volunteer opportunities inside and outside of the clinic. Administrative and office support, Spanish interpreters, medical volunteers, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, pharmacists, registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses are needed. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate. 700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A, Cedar Park 512-331-5828 www.theshm.org

SENIOR RESOURCES

26. AGE of Central Texas is an adult day care center in Round Rock serving older adults, adults with dementia and family caregivers. Residents in Cedar Park and Leander are able to use the centers’ services. Volunteers assist with and lead engaging activities for clients. 475 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 120, Round Rock 512-255-4865 www.ageofcentraltx.org

27. Drive a Senior—Northwest serves Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Leander. The program assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. Orientations take place every Thursday. 10633 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin 512-250-5021 www.driveaseniornorthwest.org

28. Family Eldercare provides in-home care for elderly citizens who are in need of assistance. Volunteer opportunities include administrative tasks, helping clients to manage bills and finances, advocacy and more. Orientation is provided for volunteers. Volunteers are needed in Williamson and Travis counties for the holidays. 805 West University Ave. Georgetown (satellite office; open by appointment only for clients and volunteers) 1700 Rutherford Lane, Austin (main office; open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) 512-450-0844 www.familyeldercare.org