Whether your passion is helping animals, children or your neighborhood, there are plenty of opportunities to lend a hand. Many local groups need help in their mission to better the community not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.






Austin Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to empower community members and give them better control of their future through homeownership. Volunteers assist in construction and at the ReStore.

500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin
512-472-8788
www.austinhabitat.org






Austin Zoo is a Hill Country zoo where people can see rescued animals, spend time outdoors and get exercise. Volunteers help with laundry and kitchen duties, cleaning habitats and with animal food preparation.

10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin
512-288-1490
www.austinzoo.org






Carrying Hope gives Hope Packs to children entering the foster care system in Central Texas. Hope Packs contain new age-appropriate items designed to provide everything a child needs for the first 48 hours in care. Volunteers are needed to make Hope Packs, donate, or sponsor a child.

9600 Escarpment Blvd., Ste. 745-239, Austin
www.carryinghope.com






El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping families in Central Texas lead healthy and productive lives through high-quality, affordable health care and education. Volunteers are needed to help with the health clinic, food pantry, family literacy program and events.

7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin
512-439-0700
www.elbuen.org






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
512-329-9474
www.cstx.wish.org






The Oak Hill Young Business Award is an $8,000 prize given to the Southwest Austin high schooler who submits a winning business plan. Volunteers are needed to help mentor entrepreneurs.

6705 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 502-141, Austin
512-468-0201
www.ohbpa.org
[email protected]






Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas aims to help people make informed, private decisions in matters of sexuality, reproduction and parenthood. Volunteers perform outreach in the community by attending community events.

201 E. Ben White Blvd., Bldg. B, Austin
512-275-0171
www.ppgreatertx.org









Power for Parkinson’s offers free exercise and dance classes to patients and families battling Parkinson’s disease. Volunteers are needed to help during classes and with events throughout the year.

5401 La Crosse Ave, Bldg. C, Ste. 101, Austin
512-464-1277
www.powerforparkinsons.org






$tart-Up! Kid’s Club offers a semester-long program where children create a business model and product with the help of mentors and parents. Volunteers needed to guide the students in their projects.

1009 W. Dittmar Road, Austin
512-673-9536
www.startupkidsclub.com









Southwest Family YMCA is dedicated to building programs for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. Volunteers are needed in the welcome center, Camp in Motion and special events as well as with coaching and board service.

6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin
512-891-9622; volunteers call 512-322-9622
www.austinymca.org






Team Luke Hope for Minds, formerly Hope4Minds, is a nonprofit that provides guidance, advocacy, and emotional and financial support to families who have children who have suffered a brain injury. Volunteers can assist with events programs and services throughout the year.

5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. A130-324, Austin (mailing address)
512-845-1466
www.hope4minds.org