American Cancer Society hopes to reduce the cancer mortality rate and cancer incidents through early detection, prevention and advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include the Road to Recovery and Reach to Recovery programs, assisting at health fairs, fundraising, office duties and Relay for Life. 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Ste. B, Austin 78754, 512-919-1900, www.cancer.org, Twitter: @americancancer American Red Cross of Central Texas serves Austin and the surrounding areas with disaster relief, military support, international social services and CPR and first aid training. Volunteer opportunities include helping families impacted by home fires, connecting military families to their loved ones overseas, office administration support, public affairs and social media and many more. 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin 78723, 512-928-4271, www.redcross.org/austin, Twitter: @centexredcross Any Baby Can provides education, therapy and support to families. Volunteers offer homework help, literacy training and child care. 1121 E. Seventh St., Austin 78702, 512-454-3743, www.anybabycan.org, Twitter: @anybabycan Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area is a program of the Capital Area Council of Governments. Volunteers provide in-home respite for caregivers of individuals with chronic conditions. This service supports the caregiver's health and well-being by allowing him or her to rest. 6800 Burleson Road, Bldg. 310, Austin 78744, 512-916-6000, www.aaacap.org Austin Habitat for Humanity teams build quality houses for impoverished families. Volunteers assist in construction or do clerical tasks. 55 N. I-35, Ste. 240, Austin 78702, 512-472-8788, www.austinhabitat.org, Twitter: @austinhabitat The Austin Harmony Project is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through art, music and community. Volunteers can help with daily art and music sessions and sorting donations at the nonprofit's thrift store. 1806 W. Stassney Lane, Stes. 105 and 106, Austin 78745, 512-394-5394, www.theaustinharmonyproject.org Austin Parks Foundation connects people to resources and partners to develop and improve parks. Volunteers participate in activities including erosion control, mulching, eradicating invasive species and trash pickup. The online calendar shows upcoming events. 507 Calles St., Ste. 116, Austin 78702, 512-477-1566, www.austinparks.org, Twitter: @austinparksfdn Austin Partners In Education provides college and career readiness for AISD students. Volunteers provide tutoring and lead study groups. 8000 Centre Park Drive, Ste. 220, Austin 78754, 512-637-0900, www.austinpartners.org, Twitter: @AustinPartners Austin Pets Alive! is a nonprofit animal rescue group committed to promoting and providing the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of homeless companion animals in Austin. The center is run almost entirely by volunteers. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 78703, [email protected], www.austinpetsalive.org, Twitter: @austinpetsalive Austin Pregnancy Resource Center helps girls and women with unplanned pregnancies decide their options while giving accurate and factual information in a confidential and welcoming environment. The center offers free tests, sonograms and classes. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the website. 2717 Rio Grande St., Austin 78705, 512-476-7774, [email protected], www.austinprc.org, Twitter: @aprc2717 Austin Public Library volunteers primarily shelve books. However, the library is seeking Spanish speakers to assist with language programs and individuals with technology skills to help with computer classes and database questions. The library needs volunteers for all branches. 800 Guadalupe St., Austin 78701, 512-974-7443, https://library.austintexas.gov, Twitter: @austinpubliclib Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary is a Hill Country zoo and rescue sanctuary where people can learn about animals up close, spend time outdoors, get exercise and have fun. Volunteers help with office tasks, laundry duties, help clean habitats and help with animal food preparation. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 78736, 512-288-1490, www.austinzoo.org, Twitter: @theaustinzoo Bake A Wish is a local network of volunteers who bake cakes for Austin children and adults in need. Volunteers bake and deliver cakes. No formal experience is necessary, but cake bakers must be able to make buttercream frosting, use a pastry bag to pipe a simple border, write legibly on a cake and maintain requirements for food safety. Because the organization works with protective agencies, all volunteers must have a valid driver's license and pass a background check. P.O. Box 91351, Austin 78709, [email protected], www.bakeawishaustin.org, Twitter: @bakeawishaustin Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas pairs volunteers with children in need of mentoring and positive role models. Men and Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed. 1400 Tillery St., Austin 78721, 512-472-5437, www.bigmentoring.org/volunteer, Twitter: @bigmentoring Blue Santa brings Christmas cheer to families who might not otherwise have gifts and food. The organization was started by the Austin Police Department in 1972 and includes the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Water and Austin Energy. 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin 78744, 512-974-2583, www.bluesanta.org Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area—Ann Richards Girls Club offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. 2206 Prather Lane, Austin 78704, 512-444-7199, www.bgcaustin.org, Twitter: @bgcaustin Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area—Small Middle School offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. 4801 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin 78749, 512-981-9102, www.bgcaustin.org, Twitter: @bgcaustin Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas—Brackenridge is a nonprofit organization created by breast cancer survivors. The center exists to serve women with breast cancer, their families and support systems, women who have questions about screening and biopsy, and others in the community who are concerned about breast cancer issues. 601 E. 15th St., Austin 78701, 512-324-7992, www.bcrc.org, Twitter: @BCRCofTexas Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, serving more than 48,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution, assist with the mobile food pantry, help out at the St. John's Community Food Center and more. Visit austinfoodbank.org/volunteer for a complete list of volunteer opportunities. 8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78745, 512-282-2111, www.austinfoodbank.org, Twitter: @cafbtx Caritas of Austin seeks to establish a continuum of services for those experiencing poverty to link them with the tools they need to obtain self-sufficiency. Direct-service volunteers work to provide life skills training to clients and help serve in the community kitchen. Indirect-service volunteers help with special events, clerical duties and food drives. 611 Neches St., Austin 78701, 512-479-4610, Ext. 1, www.caritasofaustin.org, Twitter: @caritasofaustin Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas is the only dedicated pediatric hospital in Central Texas. Volunteers provide assistance to patients, families and staff, and they also take part in fundraising and community outreach. 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin 78723, 512-324-0161, www.dellchildrens.net, Twitter: @dellchildrens Divine Canines provides free canine-assisted therapy services to more than 40 sites around Austin and Central Texas, including school reading programs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and a wounded-warrior project at Fort Hood. The organization is looking for dog owners who would like to train their dogs to become therapy dogs. 2407 S. Congress Ave., Ste. E-401, Austin 78704, 512-655-3645, www.divinecanines.org Drive a Senior—Southwest Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. 3801 Capital of Texas Hwy., E240-77, Austin 78746, 512-364-6501, www.driveasenior.org El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping Latino and other families in Central Texas lead healthy, productive and secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care, education and economic stability services. 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin 78745, 512-439-0700, www.elbuen.org The Foster Angels of Central Texas Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of children in foster care, ensuring that each child has his or her basic needs met, and to provide life-enriching and life-enhancing experiences whenever possible. The foundation serves 30 counties and 5,000 children. P.O. Box 152575, Austin 78715, 512-732-2329, www.fosterangelsctx.org, Twitter: @fosterangels Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality housing to families and individuals with low incomes. Volunteers can work with clients and residents in a variety of ways such as serving meals, providing free tax preparation services, financial coaching, tutoring in the after-school program and more. 3036 S. First St., Austin 78704, 512-610-7377, www.foundcom.org, Twitter: @foundcom Junior Achievement of Central Texas volunteers visit local classrooms to teach children about financial literacy, ranging from simple economic concepts in elementary school to subjects as complex as global supply and demand in high school. 6001 Westcreek Drive, Unit G, Austin 78749, 512-499-8025, www.jacentex.org Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 to conserve, restore and create healthy landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the garden, festivals, educational programs, the gift store and the new family garden. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin 78739, 512-232-0102, www.wildflower.org/volunteer, Twitter: @wildflowerctr LifeWorks helps individuals, youth and families by providing counseling, education and housing. Volunteers are needed to help with maintenance, tutoring, Project Holiday Help and more. 3700 S. First St., Austin 78704, 512-735-2400, www.lifeworksaustin.org, Twitter: @lifeworksaustin Make a Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers assist in wish-granting, fundraising and event planning. The nonprofit is also looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers. 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin 78746, 512-329-9474, www.cstx.wish.org, Twitter: @makeawishcstx Meals on Wheels and More—Greater Austin Area makes and delivers nutritious meals to homebound members of the community. Volunteers deliver meals by bike or by car. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin 78702, 512-476-6325, www.mealsonwheelsandmore.org, Twitter: @mealsonwheels P.A.W.S. of Austin (Protection for Animal Welfare Services) prevents cruelty to all animals by promoting humane standards through education and example, providing care and shelter for homeless animals, aiding in the reduction of domestic animal overpopulation, and aiding in the enforcement of laws, including the investigation of animal cruelty and abuse. 7202 S. Brook Drive, Austin 78736, 512-288-9856, www.pawsofaustin.org Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas is dedicated to helping people make informed, private decisions in matters of sexuality, reproduction and parenthood. Volunteers perform outreach in the community by attending community events. Administrative office, 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Bldg. B, Austin 78704, 512-276-8076, www.ppgreatertx.org, Twitter: @ppgreatertx Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support for families of critically ill children. Volunteers prepare meals and perform administrative duties. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals. 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin 78723, 512-472-9844, www.rmhc-austin.org, Twitter: @rmhcaustin SafePlace seeks to end sexual and domestic violence through safety, healing, prevention and social change. Volunteers work directly with families and individuals as well as provide assistance through indirect service in clerical or administrative roles. They accompany survivors to court, answer hotline calls, plan children's birthday parties, deliver toys to SafePlace for clients for the Holiday Giving Program and more. P.O. Box 19454, Austin 78760, 512-267-7233, www.safeplace.org/volunteer, Twitter: @safeplace_atx Seedling Foundation provides one-on-one mentoring relationships for school children of the incarcerated. Mentors from the community have lunch with children once a week at the child's school and are highly trained and supported by the Seedling's Promise Program staff. 2800 S. I-35, Ste. 170, Austin 78704, 512-323-6371, www.seedlingfoundation.org, Twitter: @SeedFound Sustainable Food Center is in charge of the SFC Farmers Market and creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and participate in a vibrant local food system. Volunteer opportunities include clerical duties, school garden mentors, chef demos, child care, working in the information booth at the farmers market and more. 2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. C, Austin 78702, 512-236-0074, ext. 114, www.sustainablefoodcenter.org, Twitter: @sfclocal, @sfcmarkets Tapestry Dance Company is a professional nonprofit dance organization. Volunteers help with opportunities ranging from light clerical office projects to special events assistance to repairs and maintenance. 2302 Western Trails Blvd., Austin 78745, 512-474-9846, www.tapestry.org, Twitter: @tapestrydance Trails at the Park Learning Center is a free, after-school program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens. After a screening process, volunteers work to assist children with homework and enrichment activities. Volunteers must complete a background check and volunteer orientation. 815 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin 78748, 512-610-4008, www.foundcom.org/get-involved/volunteer/ United Way for Greater Austin works with communities of volunteers that include individuals, businesses and other nonprofit groups. The agency coordinates nearly 10,000 volunteers annually to serve the needs of residents in Travis County and 10 surrounding counties. Volunteers may choose from hundreds of opportunities that include working with students, nursing home residents, environmental groups and the homeless, supporting already planned corporate or municipal events and more. 512-382-8611, www.uwatx.org/volunteer, Twitter: @uwatx Vivere-Austin Surgery Center and Fertility Laboratory is a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center and fully accredited fertility lab serving Austin and the surrounding communities. 2200 Park Bend Drive, Bldg. 3, Ste. 200, Austin 817-946-2110 www.viverehealth.com/patients/locations/vivere-austin-surgery-center-ivf-laboratory/fertilitytranquility/ YMCA of Austin—Southwest Branch puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA's purpose is to enhance the lives of people in the community by providing programs, activities and facilities that develop and maintain opportunities. Volunteers help with special events, coaching, maintenance, mentoring, policy and more. 6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin 78735, 512-891-9622, www.austinymca.org, Twitter: @southwestYMCA