Community and family support
Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas. Volunteers help prepare food donations for distribution, deliver food to mobile food pantries, lend a hand in the kitchen and garden, and provide nutrition education. 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin. 512-282-2111. www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
Dripping Springs Community Library serves Dripping Springs residents by offering books, enrichment programs, kids camps and meeting spaces. Volunteers work with library staff to sort and shelve books and coordinate events, which are being held virtually. 501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs. 512-858-7825. www.dscl.org
Foster Village Inc. works to support and serve foster families in the Austin area. Volunteers help sort donations, deliver items to families, fundraise and work during events. 15400 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. 512-599-4144. www.fostervillageaustin.org
Goodwill Central Texas is dedicated to transforming generations by empowering people through education, career training and work. Volunteer opportunities include mentorship, tutoring, career guidance, or disassembling computers for resale and recycling. 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin. 512-637-7179. www.goodwillcentraltexas.org
Helping Hands Inc.is a Dripping Springs-based, volunteer-run food bank that is offering curbside service Wednesdays and Thursdays each week during the pandemic. The organization accepts food donations and needs volunteers to help with sorting and distribution. 28708 RR 12, Dripping Springs. 512-820-0476. www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org
Keep Austin Fed is a food rescue organization that works to reduce hunger and help the environment by providing surplus food to those in need. Volunteers are needed for “food rescue runs”—using their own cars to pick food up from donor businesses and deliver it to designated partner organizations that have charitable feeding operations. 3903 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 40760, Austin. 512-831-3654. www.keepaustinfed.org
Southwest Family YMCA offers athletic programs for youth and adults. Programs promote healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Volunteers can coach, help with community events and programs, clean and greet at the welcome desk. 6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin. 512-891-9622. www.austinymca.org
United Way for Greater Austin brings people, ideas and resources together to fight poverty in the local community. United Way mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually, and opportunities range from one-time projects to those requiring more significant time commitments. 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-472-6267. https://volunteer.uwatx.org
We Are Blood is the guardian of the community blood supply for more than 40 medical facilities in Central Texas. Volunteers assist with blood drives, serve refreshments in donor centers, provide office support and transport blood donations using the center’s vehicles. 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-206-1266. www.weareblood.org
Housing support
Austin Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes and educates homebuyers. Volunteers work on homes and support ReStore, a discount home improvement store and donation center. 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-472-8788, ext. 100. www.austinhabitat.org
Austin Humanists at Work distributes personal care items to people experiencing homelessness and of limited means. Volunteers help with donation pickups and fundraising drives, and knit hats, scarves and washcloths. Address available upon request. 512-553-2117. www.austinhumanistsatwork.org
Caritas of Austin works to prevent and end homelessness by providing safe places to live, access to healthy food, jobs that pay a reliable living wage and the opportunity to learn life skills. Volunteers can work in the organization’s community kitchen, provide administrative support to staff members or work with clients directly. 611 Neches St., Austin. 512-479-4610. www.caritasofaustin.org
Foundation Communities provides affordable housing to families and individuals with low incomes across the city. Volunteers work with clients and residents in a variety of ways, such as serving meals, providing free tax-preparation services, financial coaching and tutoring. 3000 S. I-35, Ste. 300, Austin. 512-610-7377. www.foundcom.org
LifeWorks is an advocate for youth and families seeking a path to self-sufficiency. The organization’s mission is to make youth homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. Volunteers host donation drives for items such as socks, toiletries and gift cards. Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. Sooch Foundation Youth & Family Resource Center, 835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin. 512-735-2400. www.lifeworksaustin.org
Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing food, clothing and other life-sustaining items every night of the year. Volunteers can serve on a food truck or at the organization’s Community First Village.9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin. 512-328-7299 www.mlf.org/volunteer
The Salvation Army is Central Texas’ largest provider of emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Volunteer projects include providing crayons, coloring books and movie night baskets for children in shelter. During the holiday season, volunteers sort and distribute gifts at the Christmas warehouse and work as bell ringers at area malls. Donation center: 4216 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-605-1410. www.salvationarmyaustin.org
Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center operates out of the Sunrise Community Church, offering individuals experiencing homelessness resources including access to mail, health care, clothing, telephones and services to help with job and housing applications. Volunteers help on the grounds, with opportunities varying during the pandemic. 4430 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-522-1097. www.sunriseaustin.org/homelessness/navigation-center
Health services
El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas that helps families lead healthy and productive lives through high-quality, affordable health care and education. Volunteers are needed to help with the food pantry, literacy programs and events. 7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin. 512-439-8900. www.elbuen.org
Livestrong fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The organization gives patients the resources and support they need to fight cancer head-on. The local organization offers year-round internship and volunteer opportunities.623 W. 38th St., Ste. 300, Austin. 877-236-8820. www.livestrong.org
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin’s mission is to save babies’ lives by providing prescribed, pasteurized donor human milk. Volunteers opportunities include scrubbing in and processing milk in the lab, labeling life-saving bottles of donor milk and helping with administrative tasks. 5925 Dillard Circle, Austin. 512-494-0800. www.milkbank.org/other-ways-to-support
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas aims to create healthier communities by providing comprehensive reproductive and related health care services, delivering science-based education programs and serving as an advocate for reproductive justice in Texas. Volunteer opportunities include community outreach, event support and ongoing administrative projects in Planned Parenthood’s office. 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-275-0171. www.ppgreatertx.org
Power for Parkinson’s offers free fitness, dance and singing classes to people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. The aim of the classes is to slow or reverse the effects of the disease and improve overall well-being. Volunteers assist with signing in attendees, setting up the room for classes, passing out equipment as well as balance spotting for participants. Classes were put on hold due to the pandemic but will resume in the next few months at up to nine Austin-area locations. 512-464-1277. www.powerforparkinsons.org
Regarding Cancer provides support to those with cancer and their caregivers by matching newly diagnosed patients with a trained, peer survivor of the same cancer. Trained volunteers visit with patients undergoing infusion room treatment in outpatient clinics. P.O. Box 204451, Austin. 512-213-4993. www.regardingcancer.org
Team Luke Hope for Minds is a nonprofit providing guidance and support to families with children who have experienced a brain injury. Volunteers assist with events and services throughout the year. 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Stes. A130-324, Austin. 512-845-1466. www.teamlukehopeforminds.org
Children and education resources
Austin Partners In Education connects the community and the classroom. Through their Math Classroom Coach and Mentoring volunteer programs, APIE has seen significant growth in students’ test scores, and most importantly, their self-confidence. Locations vary. 512-637-0900. www.austinpartners.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area offers programs and services to help children succeed academically, develop leadership skills, and build character and healthy habits. Volunteers assist with daily tutoring, homework and general after-school activities at area schools. Administrative office: 6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin. 512-444-7199. www.bgcaustin.org
Con Mi Madre empowers young Latinas and their mothers through education and support services. Volunteers can be guest speakers for events or workshops, take pictures, help with social media and event coordinating, fundraisers or assist with administrative tasks. 4175 Freidrich Lane, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-467-4483. www.conmimadre.org
Communities In Schools Central Texas works inside K-12 schools in partnership with teachers and administrators to address immediate student needs. The organization’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Volunteer opportunities are available at area schools to meet with students as a mentor, tutor or reading buddy. Volunteer applications are being accepted for the 2021-22 school year. 3000 S. I 35, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-462-1771. www.ciscentraltexas.org
LifeWorks is an advocate for youth and families seeking a path to self-sufficiency. The organization’s mission is to make youth homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring to achieve results for the clients it serves. Volunteers can host donation drives for items such as socks, toiletries, and Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. South Austin Youth & Family Resource Center, 3700 S. First. St., Austin. 512-735-2400. www.lifeworksaustin.org
Make a Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and critical illnesses. Volunteers assist in wish granting, community engagement, fundraising and event planning. The organization also has volunteer boards and a young professionals council. 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-329-9474. www.cstx.wish.org
Start-Up Kid’s Club offers a program in which children create a business model and product with the help of mentors and parents. Volunteers are needed to guide students in their projects. 1009 W. Dittmar Road, Austin. 512-574-5304. www.startupkidsclub.com
Animals and the environment
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.7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin. 512-978-0500. www.austintexas.gov/department/aac
Austin Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that operates programs to save homeless cats and dogs, engage the community about pet ownership, and prevent future homelessness through spaying and neutering. Volunteer opportunities range from walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting in the clinic, fundraising and helping at events. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. 512-646-7387. www.austinhumanesociety.org
Austin Parks Foundation partners with the community to make public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, programming, advocacy and financial support. Volunteers can participate in the It’s My Park Day event, held in March and November each year, as well as ongoing projects the first Saturday of every month. P.O. Box 6160 Austin, TX 78762. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org
Austin Pets Alive is an animal rescue group that creates programs to save animals at risk of euthanasia. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in the medical clinic, or fostering cats or dogs. There are at-home opportunities such as data entry and digital marketing as well as helping in the nonprofit’s thrift stores. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-961-6519. www.austinpetsalive.org
Austin Zoo is a nonprofit zoo whose mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation and education. Visitors can see and learn about rescued animals and spend time outdoors. Volunteers can help with groundskeeping, doing laundry and assisting zookeepers. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin. 512-288-1490. www.austinzoo.org
The Trail Foundation protects, enhances and connects the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The foundation works to add resources to improve the natural areas around Lady Bird Lake. Volunteers help with restoration and land management work. P.O. Box 5195, Austin, 78763. 855-448-7245. www.thetrailfoundation.org
Senior and disabled resources
AGE of Central Texas serves older adults and family caregivers. The organization is currently offering virtual volunteer opportunities. Individuals can also write encouraging letters or create homemade cards to combat the loneliness that so many are feeling during the pandemic. 3710 Cedar St., Austin. 512-451-4611. www.ageofcentraltx.org
Drive a Senior-CTX enables older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation, age in place and enhance their quality of life by providing free transportation and other support services. There is no minimum time commitment for volunteers and services are coordinated online. Drives typically last between 30 minutes and two hours. To sign up to volunteer in a specific region of Central Texas, fill out an application on the website. 512-472-6339. www.driveasenior.org
Family Eldercare was founded in 1982 with a mission to care for seniors by providing in-home care, training and information. The nonprofit's annual summer fan drive distributes free fans to home-bound seniors who cannot afford or do not have air conditioning. Volunteers can provide no-contact home deliveries of fans to clients and individuals with larger vehicles or trailers can help deliver fans to the nonprofit's distribution partners. These can be one-time or recurring opportunities. 512-459-6436. www.summerfandrive.org/volunteer
The Marbridge Foundation is a nonprofit residential community that offers support and lifetime care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers help with classes, community activities and the equestrian center.••2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca. 512-282-1144. www.marbridge.org
Meals on Wheels Central Texas offers homebound adults an array of holistic programs that help clients maintain their independence and age in place. Volunteers deliver meals and groceries by car and serve as companions for individuals with memory loss. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin. 512-476-6325. www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org
RED Arena offers equine-assisted therapies—physical, occupational and speech therapy on a horse— for individuals with disabilities. Volunteers help groom and tack with horses, clean arena grounds and stables, and lead projects. 2435 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. 512-618-6813. www.redarena.org
The arts
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education and its collection. Volunteers lead tours and help with visitor relations and clerical tasks. Individuals age 13 and up can volunteer at The Contemporary’s art school. The Contemporary Austin-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., Austin. 512-458-8191. The Contemporary Austin-The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-453-5312. www.thecontemporaryaustin.org
The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, underinsured working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Volunteers help at community events and assist HAAM staff. 3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin. 512-541-4226. www.myhaam.org
The SIMS Foundation helps members of the music community and their families access affordable mental health and substance use recovery services. Volunteers primarily help at live music events, spreading the word about SIMS. 3010-B S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-472-1008. www.simsfoundation.org
