13 volunteer opportunities in the Lake Travis, West Austin area

Check out some local volunteer opportunities, from education foundations and food banks to parks and thrift shops.

Animal services

RED Arena

The organization aims to empower individuals with disabilities with equine therapy. The team provides adaptive horseback riding lessons, physical and occupational therapy, educational programs, and vocational training.

• Sample activities: care for horses, clean the barn, side-walk in riding sessions, help in the gift shop
• Donations accepted: monetary donations, gift cards and auction items January-March
• 2435 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs
• www.redarena.org

Eanes Education Foundation

The nonprofit foundation helps fund educator positions not fully funded by the state of Texas.

• Sample activities: teacher fund campus representatives, event volunteers, corporate sponsor liaisons, special education endowment advocate, auction team, social media ambassador, general office help
• Donations accepted: monetary donations
• 1101 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. H, Ste. 200, Austin
• www.eaneseducationfoundation.org

The nonprofit foundation funds staff positions, student enrichment activities, classroom grants and scholarships for high school seniors.

• Sample activities: Turkey Trot, load trucks for events, work check-in at fundraisers, write thank you letters, pack gift bags for teachers
• Donations accepted: monetary donations
• 607 N. RM 620, Austin
• www.lteducationfoundation.org

Austin Parks Foundation

The organization partners with the community to improve public parks, trails and green spaces through volunteers, advocacy and financial support.

• Sample activities: mulching, litter cleanup, invasive species removal
• Donations accepted: monetary donations
• 1023 Springdale Road, Austin
• www.austinparks.org

The nonprofit preserves natural resources through conservation, community collaboration and engagement to sustain the region.

• Sample activities: monthly Violet Crown Trail cleanups
• Donations accepted: monetary donations
• 1301 S. MoPac, Ste. LL25, Austin
• www.hillcountryconservancy.org

The nonprofit organization supports the development and maintenance of a sustainable, multiuse trail network for hikers, runners and bikers in the Lake Travis area.

• Sample activities: clearing trails, cutting back branches, digging new trail segments
• Donations accepted: monetary and trail-related equipment
• www.laketravistrails.org

The organization helps maintain Lakeway’s parks and trails.

• Sample activities: volunteer work days monthly September-May with trail work, gardening, project removing and more
• Donations accepted: monetary donations
• www.lakewayfop.org