For those looking to help out in the Lake Houston community, there are several local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations. This list is not comprehensive.

Empower children

Humble ISD

Contribute to the education of Humble ISD students in grades pre-K-12. The district is home to more than 48,000 students throughout the Humble, Kingwood and Lake Houston area. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sample activities: volunteering at a school book fair, being a student’s reading buddy, serving as a crossing guard, helping a teacher assemble materials
• Donations accepted: monetary donations accepted through the Humble ISD Education Foundation
• 48 campus locations
• www.humbleisd.net/volunteer

Humble ISD Education Foundation

The Humble ISD Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for innovative education projects within Humble ISD classrooms. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sample activities: committee service opportunities; special event assistance, including the foundation's golf tournament, Purse Bingo, Boots & Bling Gala, and the Humble Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off; pro bono services
• Donations accepted: monetary and sponsorship opportunities
• 10203 Birchridge Drive, Humble
• www.humbleisdfoundation.org

Lake Houston Family YMCA

This local YMCA serves the Lake Houston community through programs and social services designed to help individuals and families learn, grow and thrive. All volunteers are required to complete YOTS training—which covers child abuse—prior to volunteering. For additional information, call Jessica Penney at 281-360-2500.

• Sample activities: fundraising, serving on the board of directors or a committee, coaching sports teams, becoming a buddy for adaptive sports program members
• Donations accepted: monetary
• 2402 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood
• www.ymcahouston.org

Care for the environment

Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center Conservation Connections

This park—which features 8 miles of pedestrian trails and a playground, a replica 1830s Homestead and Akokisa Native village—offers free education programs and events thanks to the help of volunteers. Volunteers age 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult, and background checks are not required unless volunteers are working with programs or camps. Volunteer opportunities are available every Wednesday morning and monthly during the third Saturday. For more information, call 281-446-8588 or contact the volunteer coordinator at [email protected].

• Sample activities: assisting with a variety of park conservation projects, gardening projects, invasive plant removal
• Donations accepted: monetary and in-kind donations
• 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble
• www.pct3.com/jjp

Mercer Botanic Gardens

This 180-acre outdoor garden offers the public and scientific community a place to explore a wide variety of botanicals. Mercer Botanic Gardens has a variety of indoor and outdoor opportunities, most of which are available to volunteers age 16 and older. Attending orientation is recommended but not required for volunteers and will be held once a month, usually the third week of the month. For more information, contact [email protected].

• Sample activities: garden maintenance, plant sales at events, adult and children’s garden tours, data entry, inventory, event planning, painting, greeting guests
• Donations accepted: monetary, large trees, benches and wind chimes
• 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble
• www.pct3.com/mbg

Support families

Family Promise of Lake Houston

Family Promise of Lake Houston serves low-income families that become homeless due to an unfortunate circumstance, such as fires, floods, the death of a spouse, the loss of a job, eviction or foreclosure. The nonprofit provides daily support and education programs that lead each family to permanent self-sufficiency. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sample activities: helping children with homework, serving meals, providing transportation, lawn care, tutoring, resume writing, minor auto repairing, special event help, gardening, supply collection
• Donations accepted: monetary, corporate matching
• 1590 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble
• www.fplh.org

• Sample activities: Volunteer opportunities offered at the organization’s counseling center/administrative office in Humble, at the shelter (undisclosed location) and community outreach events.
• Donations accepted: Monetary; gift cards for Target, Walmart, H-E-B, Kroger, Amazon, Visa or MasterCard; new clothing items such as leggings, sweatpants, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts and lightweight pajamas; full-size adult toothpaste, body wash and shampoo; unwrapped, new gift items or gift cards for the shelter residents; please no toy donations
• 1203 S. Houston Ave., Humble (Crisis & Counseling Center)
• www.familytimeccc.org

• Sample activities: Pick-up drivers and warehouse workers at the HAAM Food Pantry, off-site sandwich assembly, off-site projects, data entry and administrative assistance, Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, assistance at the HAAM resale store, seasonal opportunities. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind, nonperishable food, hygiene items
• 1204 First St., Humble (HAAM Resale Store); 1302 First St., Humble (HAAM Social Services); 22310 Loop 494, Kingwood (Black Cat Junction Resale Store)
• www.haamministries.org

• Sample activities: volunteers needed to run both the bookstore and the online center
• Donations accepted: Monetary, books, puzzles, games, media
• 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood
• www.kingwoodfolk.org

• Sample activities: craft making; working outdoor festival activities; holiday decorating; exercise classes; and helping Summer Kids programs, game days, art classes and senior citizen trips
• Donations accepted: Monetary
• Location varies (Precinct 3 transportation provided for scheduled trips)
• www.pct3.com/explore/community-centers