Help better the Lake Travis-Westlake community—perhaps as a New Year’s resolution—at one of these local organizations. From helping families in need to caring for animals, this guide includes several volunteer opportunities. This list in noncomprehensive.

Animals

Happy Hooves Healing Hearts Rescue and Animal Sanctuary

Happy Hooves Healing Hearts Rescue and Animal Sanctuary is located in Hudson Bend. The 501(c)(3) organization works with local school groups and organizations for educational purposes and programs that support children with autism, PTSD and disabilities. Its mission is to spread good will by incorporating animal therapy with children and supporting kids and animals locally and globally.

Volunteer requirements: Under age 18 are allowed to volunteer, application and orientation required.

15603 Checotah Drive, Austin

512-814-0193 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. Volunteer opportunities are available at various events throughout the year.

Volunteer requirements: None

5524 Bee Caves Road, Ste. G4, West Lake Hills

512-328-2481 Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions is a no-kill, privately run shelter located in Lago Vista. Dogs and cats looking for forever homes are housed at the shelter. Volunteers are needed to assist with dog and cat caretaking, fundraising, adoption counseling and off-site events.

Volunteer requirements: Apply online at www.lifelongfriends.org

20803 FM 1431, Lago Vista.

512-267-6876.

www.lifelongfriends.org

RED Arena

RED Arena is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission of empowerment through horses. RED Arena serves children and adults with disabilities through physical, occupational or speech therapy sessions while on horseback, therapeutic riding lessons, job training programs, mental health services, and a free RED-Y to Read program.

Volunteer requirements: Under 18 allowed, orientation, application

1601 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs

512-807-6505

www.redarena.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. Donations and volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.

Volunteer requirements: None

601 Camp Craft Road, Austin

512-732-9065

www.eaneseducationfoundation.org

Lake Travis Education Foundation

Volunteers and donors provide financial resources to support Lake Travis ISD programs and initiatives.

Volunteer requirements: None

3322 S RM 620, Austin

512-533-5968 Lake Travis Youth Association, an all-volunteer organization, provides 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 ability, disability, skill level or financial need. Volunteer opportunities include coaching, serving as a r eferee or an umpire for organized games, and administrative roles.

Volunteer requirements: Application, background check, orientation

2101 Lakeway, Blvd., Ste. 115, Lakeway.

512-261-1900. Leander Education Excellence Foundation funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities. LEEF needs dedicated individuals interested in serving the community as board members or volunteers in any of the program initiative areas.

Volunteer requirements: under 18 allowed, orientation, (depends on event)

Physical: 204 W. South St., Leander

Mailing: P.O. Box 218, Leander

512-570-0027

www.leeftx.org

Neighbors in need Foster Angels of Central Texas works to improve the lives of children in foster care by providing basic needs and life-enhancing opportunities whenever possible. The organization donates gift cards, shoes, laptops, bicycles, cars, tutoring and even scholarships for kids in the foster care system.

Volunteer requirements: send an email to [email protected] to inquire about volunteer requirements

P.O. Box 152575, Austin

512-737-2329 Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop, part of the Saint Vincent de Paul charities, sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture, antiques and one-of-a-kind finds. Volunteers are needed to work in the store, where profits support charities in the Lake Travis area.

Volunteer requirements: 18 and up unless accompanied by an adult

1508 S. RM 620, Ste. 105, Lakeway

512-263-0314

www.laketravisthrift.com

Lake Travis Crisis Ministries Volunteer requirements: None, under 18 allowed

107 S. RM 620, Ste. 114, Lakeway.

512-266-9810. Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. Its mission is to provide food, clothing and dignity to those in need and accomplishes this mission by delivering food every night of the week. Volunteers at the St. John Neumann Commissary can help organize, prepare and deliver meals. Opportunities at the Community First Village may include gardening, prepping micro homes, working in the Art House and more.

Volunteer requirements: Application, vary dependin g on role

9301 Hog Eye Road, Austin

512-328-7299

www.mlf.org/volunteer

Partners in Hope

Partners in Hope is a Lake Travis ministry that connects people who desire physical, emotional and spiritual help with people who will help. Unlike ministries that organize a crisis response to a housing emergency, Partners in Hope helps families by working to improve living conditions, walking through a season of life, and empowering them to transform over time.

Volunteer requirements: Application, orientation, under 18 allowed with a parent/guardian

15104 N. Flamingo Drive, Austin

512-751-5877 SCORE Austin is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses begin and grow a company. The organization was founded in 1964, a partner of the Small Business Administration. Today SCORE has over 320 chapters and 10,000 volunteers nationwide.

Volunteer requirements: Orientation

5524 Bee Caves Road, Bldg. M, West Lake Hills

512-928-2425

Austin.score.org

Public safety Colin’s Hope raises water safety awareness to reduce drowning deaths. The nonprofit organization was formed in 2008 after 4-year-old Colin Holst drowned in a public pool. Year-round volunteer opportunities at fundraisers and events are available.

Volunteer requirements: None, organization works with families, young people and anyone who wants to donate time and talent.

3267 Bee Caves Road, Austin

512-222-7591

www.colinshope.org

Events:

Jan. 25

The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation annual gala will be hosted by KVUE’s Bryan Mays and feature dinner, drinks, a live and silent auction, games and dancing. Committee members and day-of assistance are needed. 6 p.m. Individual tickets start at $150. Hilton Austin, 500 E. Fourth Street, Austin. www.leeftx.org/gala/

March 7

The 2020 Lake Travis Education Foundation Gala will serve to support students within the Lake Travis Independent School District. 6-11 p.m. Individual ticket prices start at $200. Onmi Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin. www.lteducationfoundation.org

May 1, May 2

Round-Up, Red Arena’s annual kids horse show and fundraiser, provides an opportunity for riders of all ability levels to compete in horse events. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, day-of activities and cleanup. For May 1, setup time is 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and evening events are 4-8 p.m. For May 2, setup time for the 5k is 7-10 a.m., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for kids events and 2-4 p.m. for clean up. No cost to attend, and volunteers will need to sign up on the website. 1601 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs. www.redarena.org