Volunteer time to help improve the community at one of these local nonprofit organizations. This guide includes opportunities ranging from youth development to helping families and animals. This list is noncomprehensive.

EMPOWER CHILDREN

Joe Joe Bear Foundation: The nonprofit gives stuffed animals to children with critical illnesses. The organization was named after Joseph Ordaz, who died of leukemia in 2009. Sample activities: The organization invites local volunteers to help organize and lead fundraisers and help with bear distribution logistics, bear drop-off, marketing, social media and photography.

1846 Snake River Road, Katy ~ 281-398-4522 ~ www.joejoebear.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

Krause Children’s Center: This nonprofit homes girls from the ages of 12-17 who have experienced severe abuse and neglect. The center offers lodging to each girl for about six to eight months, and they engage in therapy, recreational activities and learning through Trinity Charter Schools. Sample activities: Volunteers can help plan events at the center and mentor and interact with children.


25752 Kingsland Blvd., Katy ~ 281-392-7505 ~ www.krausechildrenscenter.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, background check, orientation

Stuff the Sleigh: The organization helps children who are living with cancer and their families through financial support for those who cannot afford care. Sample activities: Volunteers can help collect donations and organize events.

P.O. Box 342, Katy ~ www.thesleigh.org


Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo Association: The Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo Association raises money through its annual rodeo event to help provide scholarships and education opportunities to Katy ISD students who are interested in agriculture. Sample activities: Volunteers can help with ticket and advertising sales, planning and accounting.

Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy ~ 281-797-1139 ~ www.katyrodeo.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

SERVE SENIORS


Interfaith Ministries’ Meals on Wheels: The Greater Houston-area program delivers meals every day to homebound seniors to help them live independently and remain in their homes. Sample activities: At 10:30 a.m., volunteers pick up hot meals in Katy and spend about one hour driving to deliver them.

3303 Main St., Houston ~ 713-533-4981 ~ www.imgh.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

HELP ANIMALS

Citizens for Animal Protection: The nonprofit homes stray animals including dogs, cats and rabbits in the shelter. The organization provides basic veterinary care. Sample activities: Volunteers can be shelter animal caretakers and foster parents, help with the adoption process for animals, walk the dogs at the shelter and help educate the public on controlling the stray cat population.


17555 Katy Freeway, Katy ~ 281-497-0591 ~ www.cap4pets.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

SUPPORT FAMILIES

Katy Christian Ministries; Katy Christian Ministries serves low-income or food-insecure families with financial assistance and access to food pantries. The social service nonprofit agency also helps survivors of domestic abuse through its crisis center. Sample activities: Volunteers can help in the crisis center, food pantry, store sales and donations, as well as with fundraisers and working in the community garden.

5504 First St., Katy ~ 281-391-5261 ~ www.ktcm.org/volunteer/


23232 Kingsland Blvd., Katy ~ 281-391-7400 ~ www.ktcm.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

Clothed by Faith: Clothed by Faith provides low-income families in the Katy area with new or gently used clothing items. The nonprofit has served over 52,000 people, and 95% of the work is executed by volunteers. Sample activities: Volunteers can sort and fold inventory at CBF’s warehouse and must be at least 14 years of age. Teenagers should be accompanied by an adult until the age of 16. There are also outreach opportunities such as winter coat giveaways, laundering clothing donations, organizing packages with socks and underwear.

802 Dominion Drive, Ste. 100, Katy ~ 281-676-8837 ~ www.clothedbyfaith.org/volunteer

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

The Ballard House: Those who travel to the Katy area for medical treatment have a home at Ballard House. Patients and their families can access facilities such as on-site laundry, a kitchen, a chapel, a library, a game room and gardens. Sample activities: Volunteers can help with administrative tasks, cooking, gardening or house keeping.

21421 Cinco Park Road, Katy ~ 281-717-4670 ~ www.theballardhouse.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, orientation

HELP THE COMMUNITY

Hope Impacts: This nonprofit aims to help the homeless population in the Katy area. By providing clothing, showers and a roof in exchange for work, this organization also creates opportunities for human connection. Sample activities: Volunteers can help with a range of tasks including laundry, office administration, driving, marketing or graphic design and fundraising as well as supper and showers.

802 Dominion Drive, Katy ~ 713-705-7884 ~ www.hopeimpacts.net

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

Katy Responds: Katy Responds was established in 2018. The nonprofit works to plan and prepare for the next storm by helping restore the homes of families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Sample activities: Volunteers can help in the way they feel most comfortable. Role options include: family support and encouragement; community engagement; and construction and repair.

22765 Westheimer Parkway, Katy ~ 281-305-8545 ~ www.katyresponds.org/volunteer/

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

Katy Heritage Society: Katy Heritage Society aims to help the community preserve and restore historic landmarks and documents as part of a mission for cultural development. Prospect volunteers are encouraged to visit KHS’s physical location to get started. Sample activities: Volunteers can help with outreach in the community, give tours of heritage homes, organize speakers for clubs and meetings as well as research historic topics and help maintain historic structures.

5990 George Bush Drive, Katy ~ 281-391-2550 ~ www.facebook.com/Katy-Heritage-Society-117841999861/

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed, orientation

SUPPORT HEALTH CARE

Christ Clinic: The Christ Clinic serves those in the Katy area who are uninsured and living without government help. The nonprofit was founded about 20 years ago and provides low or no-cost services, and its staff comprises medical professionals and administrative assistants. Sample activities: Volunteers can help raise money to keep the organization operating, assist pharmacists and act as lab technicians. Spanish-speaking volunteers can serve as interpreters.

25722 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 111, Katy ~ 281-391-0190 ~ www.christclinickaty.org

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed

Grace Care Center: Grace Care Center provides nursing care to patients in a home-like environment posthospitalization. It offers living space with social areas and gardens. Sample activities: Volunteers help by reading to residents as well as help with personal grooming and exercise.

23553 W. Fernhurst Drive, Katy~ 281-394-1300 ~ www.gracecarekaty.com

Volunteer requirements: Application, under age 18 allowed