Looking for opportunities to volunteer, donate or serve your community? Here are four local events taking place this weekend, Nov. 1-4.


Thursday, Nov. 1 and Friday, Nov. 2
Donate blood in South Austin

Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed this fall. Upcoming blood drives in South Austin include one Thursday, Nov. 1, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at HealthCorps, 1901 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin, and another on Friday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Premier High School, 1701 W. Ben White Blvd. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-733-2767.





Saturday, Nov. 3
Help beautify area parks

Austin Parks Foundation hosts the annual It’s My Park Day. Austinites can volunteer to help improve parks, trails and greenbelts. Times and locations vary throughout Austin. Check the website for a complete list of projects and locations. Free. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org/event-calendar





Sunday, Nov. 4
Support the Empty Bowls Project
Participants select a ceramic bowl created by one of 14 clay artists and enjoy servings of soup and bread donated from 30 local restaurants. Proceeds support the nonprofit Dripping Springs Helping Hands. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $25. Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs. 512-820-0476. www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org





Ongoing opportunity






Support survivors of recent floods
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is collecting monetary donations to provide support to flood survivors. Funds will be distributed in the form of gift cards, emergency housing, emergency transportation and building materials to meet immediate and long-term needs. Make a tax-deductible gift online at www.adrn.org, or call 512-806-0800.