Alzheimer’s Texas seeks to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, and enhance care and support for those with the disease, their families and caregivers. Volunteer opportunities vary. 3520 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 140, Austin 78731 512-241-0420 www.txalz.org
American Cancer Society aims to to reduce the cancer mortality rate and cancer incidents through early detection, prevention and advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include the Road to Recovery and Reach to Recovery programs, assisting at health fairs, fundraising, office duties and Relay for Life coordination. 1100 N. MoPac, Ste. 100, Austin 78759 800-227-2345 www.cancer.org Twitter: @americancancer
American Red Cross serves Austin and the surrounding areas with disaster relief, international social services, CPR and first aid training and support of military personel and families. Volunteer opportunities include helping families impacted by home fires, connecting military families to their loved ones overseas, office administration support, public affairs and social media. 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin 78723 512-928-4271 www.redcross.org/austin Twitter: @centexredcross
Austin Child Guidance Center works to improve the mental health of children through treatment and emotional skills training. Volunteers are needed to play with children waiting for appointments, serve on fundraising planning committees and act as gardeners for the healing garden. 810 W. 45th St., Austin 78751 512-451-2242 www.austinchildguidance.org Twitter: @AustinChildGuid
Austin Habitat for Humanity aims to end the cycle of poverty and believes everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live. Its goal is to empower community members and give them better control of their futures through homeownership. Volunteers assist in construction and at the ReStore. 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin 78704 512-472-8788 www.austinhabitat.org Twitter: @austinhabitat
Austin Humanists at Work is a group of secular volunteers who collect, sort and distribute basic living items to people who are homeless at monthly giveaways. ATXHAW is 100 percent volunteer-based. Many of its volunteers also knit or crochet items to be given away at the giveaways, including washcloths for the summer and hats and scarves for the winter. www.austinhumanistsatwork.org Twitter: @ATXHAW
Austin Pets Alive is a nonprofit animal rescue group committed to promoting and providing the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of homeless companion animals in Austin. The center is run almost entirely by volunteers. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin 78703 512-961-6519 www.austinpetsalive.org Twitter: @austinpetsalive
Austin State Supported Living Center, formerly Austin State School, provides aid and support to more than 180 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers visit with residents as well as assist with resident activities and campus improvement projects. 2203 W. 35th St., Austin 78703 512-374-6160 www.ausslcfriends.org
Austin Zoo is a Hill Country Zoo where people can see rescued animals, spend time outdoors and get exercise. Volunteers help with laundry and kitchen duties, clean habitats and help with animal food preparation. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 78736 512-288-1490 www.austinzoo.org Twitter: @theaustinzoo
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Volunteers assist with daily tutoring, homework help and general after-school activities, such as fine arts; sports; and science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, activities. 5407 N. I-35, Ste. 400, Austin 78723 512-444-7199 www.bgcaustin.org Twitter: @bgcaustin
Brown Santa is a community service nonprofit organization of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Many sponsors and volunteers help each year to make the Brown Santa drive successful. The goal is to provide assistance to families in need in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. Volunteers help sort and wrap gifts and prepare food for holiday meals at the warehouse. 305 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78704. 512-247-2682 www.brownsanta.org
CASA of Travis County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. 7701 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 301, Austin 78752 512-459-2272 www.casatravis.org/volunteer Twitter: @casatravis
Center for Child Protection advocates for child victims of abuse or witnesses to violent crimes. Volunteers help with direct care for children and provide support during fundraising events. 8509 FM 969, Bldg. 2, Austin 78724 512-472-1164 www.centerforchildprotection.org Twitter: @traviscoccp
Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, serving more than 46,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution or assist with the mobile food pantry and various administrative duties. Visit the website for a full list of opportunities. 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin 78744 512-282-2111 www.centraltexasfoodbank.org Twitter: @ctxfoodbank
Central Texas Trail Tamers is a group of volunteers who donate labor to lessen the burdens of government for projects that enhance public use and protection of environmentally sensitive parks and preserves. 512-417-3881 www.trailtamers.org
Drive a Senior assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. To volunteer in West or Southwest Austin, fill out an application online. 3801 Capital of Texas Hwy., Stes. E240-77, Austin 78746 (Southwest Austin) 512-364-6501 2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin 78703 (West Austin) 512-472-6339 www.driveasenior.org
Girlstart volunteers work to encourage girls to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering and math through after-school programs, summer camps and community events. 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 78757 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Twitter: @girlstart
Hospice Austin has provided medical, emotional and spiritual care for terminally ill people and their loved ones in Central Texas for the past 35 years. Regardless of ability to pay, it offers extensive services, including expert pain and symptom management, an inpatient facility, and volunteer and bereavement services in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Volunteers visit or read with patients, run errands, and provide a calm and compassionate presence to families. 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 100, Austin 78759 512-342-4700 www.hospiceaustin.org
Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop, part of the Saint Vincent de Paul charities, sells donated clothing, housewares, linens, toys, jewelry, furniture, antiques and one-of-a-kind finds. Volunteers are needed to work in the store, whose profits support charities in the Lake Travis area. 1508 S. RR 620, Ste. 105, Lakeway 78734 512-263-0314 www.laketravisthrift.com
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 to conserve, restore and create healthy landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the gardens, festivals, educational programs, a store and the new family garden. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin 78739 www.wildflower.org/volunteer [email protected] Twitter: @wildflowerctr
Leander Educational Excellence Foundation funds innovative teaching projects and professional development opportunities. LEEF needs dedicated individuals interested in serving the community as board members or as a volunteer in any of the program initiative areas. P.O. Box 358, Cedar Park 78630 512-570-0027 www.leanderedfound.org
Lifelong Friends Pet Adoptions is a no-kill, privately run animal shelter located in Lago Vista. Dogs and cats looking for forever homes are housed at the shelter. Volunteers are needed to assist with dog and cat caretaking, fundraising, adoption counseling and off-site events. 20803 FM 1431, Lago Vista 78645 512-267-6876 www.lifelongfriends.org
Make a Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers assist in wish-granting, fundraising and event planning. The nonprofit is also looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers. 2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin 78746 512-329-9474 www.cstx.wish.org Twitter: @makeawishcstx
March of Dimes-Austin is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to improve the health of babies. It works to fund research to understand the causes of these issues, help mothers have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies, and support families by providing comfort when their baby needs help to thrive. 9430 Research Blvd., Echelon II, Ste. 250, Austin 78759 512-477-3221 www.marchforbabies.org Twitter: @marchofdimesatx
Meals on Wheels Central Texas makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the community, including those age 60 and older. Volunteers deliver meals by car in the Greater Austin area. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin 78702 512-476-6325 www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org Twitter: @mealsonwheels
Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. Its mission is to provide food, clothing and dignity to those in need and accomplishes this mission by delivering food every night of the week. Volunteers at the St. John Neumann Commissary can help organize, prepare and deliver meals. Opportunities at the Community First Village may include gardening, prepping micro-homes and working in the Art House. 903 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin 78746 512-328-7299 www.mlf.org/volunteer Twitter: @mobileloaves
North West Austin Circle of Friends raises funds for the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Volunteers help fundraising with Cheers for Children. 4900 Mueller Blvd., Austin 78723 512-563-2927 www.dellchildrenscircleoffriends.org
P.A.W.S. of Austin aims to prevent cruelty to all animals by promoting humane standards through education and example; providing care and shelter for homeless animals; aiding in the reduction of domestic animal overpopulation; and aiding in the enforcement of laws, including the investigation of animal cruelty and abuse. 13315 Broadmeade Ave., Austin 78729 www.pawsofaustin.org
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas is dedicated to helping people make informed, private decisions in matters of sexuality, reproduction and parenthood. Volunteers perform outreach in the community by attending community events. 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Bldg. B, Austin 78704 512-275-0171 www.ppgreatertx.org Twitter: @ppgreatertx
Project Linus—Williamson/Travis/Hays/Bastrop County Chapter provides handmade blankets for children. The nonprofit works with about 40 organizations, including police departments, hospitals and children’s shelters. Volunteers are needed to make homemade blankets and get together monthly to process them. 512-448-1851 www.orgsites.com/tx/austinlinus
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support for families of critically ill children. Volunteers prepare meals and perform administrative duties. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals. 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin 78723 512-472-9844 www.rmhc-ctx.org Twitter: @RMHCCTX
Royal Family Kids Camp serves abused and neglected children ages 7-11. Volunteers serve as camp counselors and staff, and assist with birthday parties, camp registration and welcome home dinners. 2700 Northland Drive, Austin 78756 512-930-1886 www.austin.royalfamilykids.org
Salvation Army volunteers assist with holiday events, acting as bell ringers, serving meals at shelters and distributing gifts at the Christmas warehouse as part of the Angel Tree program. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the annual luncheon, golf tournament, and the Rock the Red Kettle Concert. 501 E. Eighth St., Austin 78701 512-634-5921 www.salvationarmyaustin.org Twitter: @salarmyaustin
SCORE, or Service Corps Organization of Retired Executives, provides business advice to startup entrepreneurs and growing businesses using more than 11,000 volunteers in the nation’s largest network of free expert business mentors. Volunteers are needed to provide confidential counseling to SCORE clients. 5524 Bee Caves Road, Bldg. M, Ste. 100, Austin 78746 512-928-2425 www.austin.score.org
Special Olympics Texas provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers do not need any special skills and can choose to help out at competitions or fundraisers, become a coach, be a Fan in the Stands or help out in the office. Volunteers are also encouraged to come the day of an event to provide assistance. 1804 Rutherford Lane, Austin 78754 512-835-9873 www.sotx.org Twitter: @SOTexas
Susan G. Komen Austin provides local support, outreach and national research in the fight against breast cancer. Volunteers are needed to help with Race for the Cure, special events, public policy, public relations, community outreach and more. 1705 Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. 130, Austin 78746 512-473-0900 www.komenaustin.org Twitter: @komenaustin
Tapestry Dance Company is a professional nonprofit dance organization. Volunteers help with opportunities ranging from light clerical office projects to special events assistance to repairs and maintenance. 4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 200, Austin 78745 512-474-9846 www.tapestry.org Twitter: @tapestrydance
Texas Advocacy Project provides free legal services to victims of domestic and dating violence and sexual assault and stalking throughout Texas. Volunteers help with administrative assistance tasks as well as assist with Handbags and Backpacks for Hope, adopt-a-family campaigns and the annual Black & White Ball. P.O. Box 833, Austin 78767 512-476-5377 www.texasadvocacyproject.org Twitter: @legalhelp4dv
We Are Blood is the provider and guardian of the blood supply for approximately 39 medical facilities in the Central Texas service area. Volunteers assist on blood drives, provide office support and transport blood product. 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin 78756 512-206-1266 www.weareblood.org Twitter: @WeAreBlood
These listings are valid as of December and this guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers.
