Many local nonprofit organizations are looking for volunteers as 2013 begins, and they offer an array of opportunities.
Tomball
Abandoned Animal Rescue is a no-kill animal shelter and low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Tomball. Volunteers perform tasks, such as dog walking, cat care, basic animal grooming, office work, creating fliers, fundraising, yard work, washing animal dishes and washing towels.
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County uses volunteers to build decent, affordable homes for those in need. Construction volunteering is most popular, but volunteers are also needed to serve lunches, help select and prepare worksites, demolish houses and work in the ReStore.
Reach Unlimited provides programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers are needed in a variety of fields, including classroom, special events, maintenance, office work and service learning.
TOMAGWA Health Care Ministries provides medical care for low-income individuals and families. Opportunities for volunteers vary from Spanish-speaking interpreters to office workers and nurses.
The Tomball Pregnancy Center assists those in need with medical, legal, educational and adoption-related needs. Volunteers can act as a prayer partner, perform clerical duties, work in the resale shop, hospitality and counseling services.
Tomball Regional Medical Center needs volunteers to assist with patient care and relations. Volunteers also operate the hospital gift shop.
T.E.A.M., Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries, helps low-income families of the Tomball area by providing short-term assistance. The organization needs donations for its resale and volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including helping with seasonal programs.
Magnolia
Bridgewood Farms serves teens and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical handicaps that prevent them from living comfortably on their own. It operates four homes for individuals with special needs to live in. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers, help at the organization's thrift shops and spend time with the residents.
Friends of Texas Wildlife supports the rehabilitation of Texas wildlife and educates the community on area species. The organization relies solely on volunteers, who can play two roles: rehabilitators and administrative volunteers.
The Friendship Center of Montgomery County operates six activity centers, including its Magnolia location. The organization aims to enrich the lives of senior citizens in the community. Services offered include meals-on-wheels, activity programs and transportation services, all of which volunteers can help with.
Camp Blessing Texas hosts week-long summer camps for physically and intellectually disabled children. Volunteers can perform a variety of roles, but the camp's biggest need is "buddy" counselors who work one-on-one with campers. The roles require a Monday through Saturday commitment.
Helping Hands Community Garden is a Community Garden that offers garden beds for individuals or families. For those with physical limitations, the garden offers "special needs" beds. Volunteers help maintain the garden beds and facility.
The Magnolia Historical Depot is home to the Magnolia Historical Society. The group participates in preservation projects and organizes several seasonal events. An online volunteer form is available on the organization's website.
JoyRide Center is a therapeutic horsemanship program for individuals with disabilities and offers physical therapy as well as education programs. Volunteers are needed to walk alongside the horse and rider, handle the horses and help with fundraisers and events.
The Society of Samaritans provides for resources and aid for students in need in Magnolia. It is run entirely by volunteers, whose functions include organizing and working special programs.
Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team operates its headquarters in Magnolia and performs missions, including locating lost persons, drowning victims, hiking accidents, swift-water and wilderness rescue. Volunteers assist in missions.
SIRE is Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Center and aims to improve the quality of life for people with special needs through therapeutic horsemanship as well as educational outreach. Volunteers can walk beside the clients as they ride or lead the horse.
This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, please email us at
[email protected], and we will add it to our online list.
Photo by Shawn Arrajj