Residents can volunteer to serve at Special Pals Rescue Resource Center and work with animals.
As the holidays approach, Houston residents are looking for ways to give back. From food banks to conservation efforts, here is a list of places to volunteer or donate. This list is not comprehensive.
Houston Area Women’s Center
This organization works to end domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking. Services include crisis intervention, support programs and violence prevention initiatives.
Volunteer activities: joining a committed volunteer fundraising committee; helping at events; offering holiday gift items to survivors and their families; assembling essential supply kits to aid women and children in the HAWC shelter.
Donations accepted: monetary contributions; food items; brand new clothing for women, infants and toddlers; toys; diapers; hygiene products; beauty products; first aid items; luggage; detergent; smaller appliances; Houston Area Women's Center - In-Kind/Non-Monetary Donations
The organization is the oldest no-kill shelter in Houston. The nonprofit animal welfare organization facilitates adoptions, fostering and low-cost vaccinations.
Volunteer activities: taking care of animals and performing administrative duties
Donations accepted: money, dog and cat food, trash bags, puppy pads, laundry detergent, carabiners and disposable rubber gloves
The nonprofit collects, inspects, sorts, stores and distributes food to community partners, such as pantries, soup kitchens, schools and multi-service centers.
Volunteer activities: sorting food; building home delivery kits; assisting with hot meals; distributing food and school supplies
Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever.
Volunteer activities: Collecting native seeds, growing and planting native plants, assisting with native plant nursery operations, removing invasive species, restoring prairie habitat, maintaining trails, leading educational programs and guided walks, and supporting community events. Volunteers can also participate in CPC's Great Grow Out program by growing native plants at home for restoration projects.
Donations accepted: An online donation form can be found here; they also accept check or cash donations mailed to 5615 Kirby Dr # 867, Houston,
The organization aims to provide a safe place for individuals ages 13-24 of all sexualities and genders experiencing homelessness in Houston.
Volunteer activities: providing and serving dinner; facilitating creative group activities; helping clean the clothing closet; providing direct mentorship
Donations accepted: money; Amazon wishlist purchases; new and gently-used clothing for ages 13-24; unopened packages of underwear and socks
The nonprofit serves as a shelter for homeless youth between 18 and 24, providing services such as substance abuse counseling, education, vocational training and basic needs.
Volunteer activities: Serving catered meals, hosting life skills workshops, volunteering at its 15th anniversary event, becoming a member of auxiliary groups
Donations accepted: money; holiday gifts and gift cards; new clothing and shoes for young men, women and children; diapers; hygiene products; cleaning supplies
