For those looking to help out in the Bellaire, Meyerland and West U communities, there are several local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations.

This list is not comprehensive.

Girls Empowerment Network

The organization advances self-efficacy—or the belief in oneself to succeed—in girls in grades third through twelfth through programs that foster confidence, coping skills, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and change making.

Sample activities: Writing role model letters, creating bookmarks, signing up to volunteer at Radiant G Conferences or in-school Radiant G Circle programs.



Donations accepted: Monetary donations, merchandise sales, car donations, stock donations

Workshop Houston

The nonprofit’s mission is to provide creative, technical and educational resources to young people who are involved in the arts.

Sample activities: Working with students during after-school programs once a week during the semester

Donations accepted: Checks, in-kind materialsSpecial Pals Rescue Resource Center


The organization is the oldest no-kill shelter in Houston. The nonprofit animal welfare organization facilitates adoptions, fostering, low-cost vaccinations and rescue boarding.

Sample activities: Take care of animals and complete administrative duties

Donations accepted: Money, dog and cat food, trash bags, puppy pads, laundry detergent, carabiners and disposable rubber gloves
Plant it Forwardworks with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. (Courtesy Plant it Forward)
Plant It Forward works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. (Courtesy Plant It Forward)
Plant It Forward

The Houston-based nonprofit works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. Their mission is to support independent farmers with refugee backgrounds in developing sustainable farming businesses that produce healthy food for the community.


Sample activities: Helping urban farmers weed, mulch and compost; working at a local farmers market; being a veggie guide content creator

Donations accepted: Venmo, PayPal, mailed check, stock
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline. (Courtesy Houston Area Women’s Center)
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline. (Courtesy Houston Area Women’s Center)

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.

Sample 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

Second Servings of Houston

The nonprofit rescues surplus perishable food from retailers, distributors and manufacturers, and delivers it to local nonprofits.

Sample activities: Assisting drivers with food rescues, helping with PopUp Grocery Stores

Donations accepted: Surplus food, money

Be a Resource


The nonprofit works to provide resources to children in Child Protective Services in Houston, as well as children who are referred to the organization.

Sample activities: Helping with community events, creating hygiene packs and school bags, hosting drives, participating in virtual volunteer opportunities such as hosting donation drives year round.

Donations accepted: Money, hygiene products for babies and children, toys, books, diapers, clothing in all sizes, blankets, stuffed animals.

Coastal Prairie Conservancy

The organization is focused on conserving the Texas coastal prairie. The work by the organization addresses the need to preserve open spaces for communities in Texas. CPC was formed in 1992 to conserve the Texas coastal prairie for people and wildlife before it disappears.

Sample activities: Volunteers can help with various activities throughout the week, as well as planting native plants and keeping up with the nursery.

Donations accepted: An online donation form can be found online; check or cash donations mailed to 5615 Kirby Drive, Ste. 867, Houston.

Houston Food Bank

The nonprofit collects, inspects, sorts, stores and distributes food to community partners such as pantries, soup kitchens, schools and multi-service centers.

Sample activities: Sorting food, building home delivery kits, assisting with hot meals, distributing food and school supplies

Donations accepted: Monetary donations, food, vehicles and stocks