For those looking to help out in the Bay Area community, there are several local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations. This list is noncomprehensive.
BETTER THE CITY
Friends of Freeman Library
This nonprofit helps support the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library. Any money raised through the organization helps fund events and services at the library.
Sample activities: working in the bookstore, researching, writing and submitting proposals
Donations accepted: money
16616 Diana Lane, Houston
832-927-5444
www.friendsoffreeman.org
Volunteer requirements: application, orientation, under age 18 allowed
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Helen Hall Library
The Helen Hall Library is located in League City. It offers many volunteer opportunities, including ones that can be used for service hours.
Sample activities: tutoring, creating content, helping with program setup
Donations accepted: money, books
100 W. Walker St., League City
281-554-1111
www.leaguecitytx.gov/3146/helen-hall-library
Volunteer requirements: application, orientation, under age 18 allowed
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Exploration Green
Exploration Green is a 178-acre flood mitigation project and outdoor recreation spot in the Clear Lake area, turning a former golf course into detention ponds with various other amenities. Volunteers can work on the tree, wetland or prairie teams, each of which has different workdays.
Sample activities: removing invasive or aggressive species throughout each of the five phases, counting inventory, preparing the plants to go into the ground, weeding, installing wetlands, trimming plants, planting trees and prairie grass
Donations accepted: money, commemorative park benches, trees or tables
16205 Diana Lane, Houston
www.explorationgreen.org
Volunteer requirements: orientation, under age 18 allowed
Galveston Bay Foundation
The Galveston Bay Foundation’s mission is to preserve and enhance the Galveston Bay. Interested volunteers can sign up on the website to help at the foundation’s next community event, or engage in one of several ongoing volunteer-based activities.
Sample activities: marine debris cleanup, marsh grass plantings, removing abandoned crab traps, citizen science, education i.e. with school groups
Donations accepted: money
1725 Hwy. 146, Kemah
281-332-3381 ext. 207
www.galvbay.org/volunteer
Volunteer requirements: under age 18 allowed
FEED THE HUNGRY
The Hunger Truck
The New York City-based initiative came to Houston in fall 2021 and has been serving meals weekly on Saturdays at rotating destinations. Activities such as meal preparation and care package assembly are based out of the MultiCultural Center in Webster. Detailed instructions are shared on-site each week. Volunteers must be age 10 or older.
Sample activities: preparing and cooking food, creating hygiene kits, assembling care packages
Donations accepted: money, kitchen supplies; prepared food from restaurants; paper goods and utensils; raw meal ingredients including produce, meat and grains; new socks, underwear and blankets for winter relief
951 Tristar Drive, Webster
https://bit.ly/hungertruckhtx
Volunteer requirements: application, under age 18 allowed
HELP ANIMALS
Bayou Animal Services
This animal shelter strives to tailor pet adoptions to every person’s needs. It offers adoptions and fostering for animals and also offer discounts on adoptions fees for seniors.
Sample activities: cleaning and feeding animals, taking animals on walks
Donations accepted: money, dog food, cat food
3100 Deats Road, Dickinson
281-337-3117
www.bayouanimalservices.org
Volunteer requirements: application, orientation, under age 18 allowed
City of Pearland Adoption Center
The Pearland city organization works to protect animals and promote adoptions of its animals. It also educates on the benefits of spaying and neutering.
Sample activities: walking dogs, helping with cats, searching for lost pets, cleaning adoption center facilities
Donations accepted: money, dog food, cat food, toys
2002 Old Alvin Road, Pearland
281-652-1970
www.pearlandtx.gov/departments/police/divisions/animal-services-2422
Volunteer requirements: application, under age 18 allowed
League City Animal Care
The shelter is Galveston County’s only municipal no-kill animal shelter. Services range from stray animal intake and medical treatment to training programs and humane education. Volunteers must be age 12 or up.
Sample activities: answering questions and phone calls at front desk, helping adopters with introductions and counseling, performing adoption follow-ups, accepting donations, clerical assistance
Donations accepted: money, medical supplies, toys, food, leashes and more, based on Amazon wishlists
755 W. Walker St., League City
281-554-1377
www.leaguecitytx.gov/3899/league-city-animal-care
Volunteer requirements: application, orientation, under age 18 allowed
HELP THE COMMUNITY
Adult Education Center
This Pearland-based group aims to help advance literary skills and employment opportunities for adults. It is in its three-year strategic plan, in which it will focus on growing the group.
Sample activities: tutoring, setting up and cleaning events, event planning and fundraising
Donations accepted: money, books, office equipment, classroom supplies
2246 Washington St., Pearland
281-485-1000
www.adulteducationcentertexas.org
Volunteer requirements: application, background check, orientation
Forgotten Angels
The foundation helps serve people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. It provides job opportunities, places to live and enrichment activities.
Sample activities: sorting donations, prepping donations for sale, working at the foundation's garden
Donations accepted: money, resale shop donations
6302 Broadway St., Ste. 240, Pearland
832-243-5925
www.forgottenangels.org
Volunteer requirements: application, background check, under 18 allowed
SUPPORT FAMILIES
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The Bridge has provided education, support, safe spaces, guidance and action item steps to those experiencing domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, any form of trauma or abuse, family instability or housing issues for more than 40 years. In-person and virtual volunteer opportunities are available. Those interested can indicate their skill sets and availability online.
Sample activities: assisting with office duties, cataloging food pantry items, helping prepare meals, working with children
Donations accepted: money, baby supplies, kitchen supplies and more, based on Amazon and Walmart wishlists
3811 Allen-Genoa Road, Pasadena
713-472-0753
www.tbotw.org
Volunteer requirements: application, background check, orientation
Family Promise of Clear Creek
This community-based organization aims to combat the issue of homelessness in the Clear Creek area. It also helps people find local resources for other problems.
Sample activities: cooking and serving meals, playing with children, helping with homework
Donations accepted: money, cars, gas cards
14550 Hwy. 3, Webster
832-932-3963
www.ccfamilypromise.org
Volunteer requirements: application, background check, orientation, under 18 allowed
Interfaith Caring Ministries
The nonprofit organization helps people living in the Bay Area with rent assistance, emergency food, utility assistance, senior outreach and school supplies.
Sample activities: answering the phone, making appointments, sorting food, delivering groceries
Donations accepted: money, food, dental hygiene products, diapers, pet food, cleaning supplies
151 N. Park Ave., League City
281-332-3881
www.icmtx.org
Volunteer requirements: application, background check, orientation
