Empower Children

Big Brothers Big Sisters - Fort Bend County

At this organization volunteers can become a mentor to a child by participating in the one-to-one program dedicated to creating a positive relationship between an adult and a child. Volunteer requirements: Background check, interview, 18 or older, one-year commitment, vehicle, driver’s license, automobile insurance 12300 Parc Crest Drive, Stafford 713-271-5683 • www.bbbstx.org 1003 Washington Ave., Houston 888-887-2447 • www.bbbstx.org

Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo Association

KLSRA provides scholarships and educational opportunities to Katy ISD students interested in careers in agriculture. The group raises money through its annual rodeo event. Volunteers are needed to assist with planning committees for the event. Volunteers can assist with accounting, ticket sales, advertising sales, parade planning, youth events coordination and logistics. Upcoming event: 76th Katy Livestock Show and Rodeo, Feb. 14-16, 7 p.m. each night. $5 for ages 3-10. $10 for ages 11 and older. Requirements: Volunteers working in rodeo operations must have experience working with livestock. Katy Hockley Cut Off Road, Katy 281-797-1139 • www.katyrodeo.org

Nurturing Dreams Foundation Inc.

The child mentorship organization works in the Katy area to help at-risk adolescents and young adults by connecting them with resources to improve their lives. Clients are provided with life skills training and encouraged to pursue education and leadership opportunities. The organization needs mentors and trainers as well as social media and marketing volunteers. Those skilled in grant writing and accounting are also sought. Volunteer requirements: Application, background check, mandatory training. Houston, TX 832-265-6468 • www.nurturingdreams.org

Support families

The Arc of Katy  

The Arc of Katy provides a variety of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Volunteers are needed to assist with events and help with the Be Strong water aerobics program. Upcoming event: Jingle Bell Jam, Dec. 8, 9-11 a.m. $15. St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. Call 281-723-3513 for additional information. Volunteer requirements: Application, 18  or older, background check 5819 10th St., Katy 832-754-9802 • www.thearcofkaty.org

Clothed by Faith

Clothed by Faith provides clothing to those in need in the Katy area. The organization needs volunteers to sort clothing and run errands. At-home volunteering opportunities are occasionally available. The Katy distribution location is being renovated and is expected to reopen in January. Volunteer requirements: 14 or older 802 Dominion Drive, Ste. 100, Katy 281-676-8837 • www.clothedbyfaith.org

Hope Impacts

Hope Impacts is a nonprofit organization that works to provide services to the homeless residents of the Katy area. Those needing services are provided with clothing, showers and other services while they work to get a roof over their heads. Bible studies, meals and other opportunities for human connections are also provided to the organization’s clients. Upcoming events: Weekly Bible studies held each Monday, 7-9 p.m. Requirements: Application required 802 Dominion Drive, Katy 713-705-7884 • www.hopeimpacts.net

Joe Joe Bear Foundation

The Joe Joe Bear Foundation, a Katy-area nonprofit, provides new teddy bears to children with life-threatening illnesses. In the next year it intends to begin providing support services to parents of the children they serve as well. The organization is named after Joseph Ordaz, who died of leukemia in 2009. Volunteers are needed to help organize and put on the organization’s fundraisers, which include a car show, skeet shoot and golf tournament each year. Upcoming event: A car show will be held April 27 to raise funds for the foundation. 281-398-4522 • [email protected]  www.joejoebear.org

Katy Christian Ministries

KCM offers a variety of services to low-income or food-insecure families in crisis. Volunteer opportunities are available in the nonprofit’s crisis center, food pantry, resale store, donation center and community garden. Additional people are also needed to assist with planning and executing several fundraising events throughout the year, including a golf tournament, the Katy Color Run, a school supply drive and a gala. Upcoming event: Santa Sleigh Program. Volunteers are needed to help sort and organize presents, register families and distribute gifts. Holiday gifts are provided to area individuals in need, including families, the elderly and those struggling with illnesses. Volunteer requirements: Apply at www.ktcm.org/volunteer/. 5504 First St., Katy 281-391-5261 • www.ktcm.org

Stuff the Sleigh

Stuff the Sleigh works to provide assistance to families with children suffering from cancer. Support is provided in the form of financial assistance for patients who cannot afford care as well as scholarships for cancer survivors and aspiring medical professionals looking to work in pediatric cancer research centers. Volunteers are needed to help organize events and collect donations. The organization is especially in need of gifts for teens, including gift cards and new toys or games, for their upcoming Holiday Angels event. Upcoming event: Holiday Angels reception. Dec. 15. Collecting items from wish lists. Need gifts for teens (gift cards). Register online or email [email protected] P.O. Box 342, Katy www.thesleigh.org 

Assist the elderly

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels

The organization delivers meals to homebound residents 60 years old and older living in Fort Bend and Waller counties. The center also serves as a space for computer classes, fitness programs and art classes as well as a respite center for people living with dementia or similar conditions.  Volunteers are needed to deliver meals and work in the center. Volunteer requirements: Application 1330 Banda Road, Rosenberg 281-633-7049 • www.fortbendseniors.org

Fairmont Hospice

Fairmont Hospice provides end-of-life care in the Katy area and Greater Houston. Volunteers are needed to provide emotional support, assist with household tasks, run errands for patients and families as well as assisting with clerical duties. Veteran volunteers are needed to help veterans requiring hospice assistance. Volunteer requirements: 18 or older, tuberculosis screening, application, background check 888-846-7742 • [email protected] www.fairmonthospice.com

Help animals

Citizens for Animal Protection

Citizens for Animal Protection accepts stray animals and surrenders as capacity allows. It also provides basic veterinary care and adoption services. Animals available include dogs, cats and rabbits. Volunteers are needed to assist with adoption services, walking animals and other daily tasks. 17555 I-10, Katy 281-497-0591 • www.cap4pets.org

Fort Bend County Animal Services

This shelter finds and houses stray animals and provides basic veterinary care to them. Pet adoption services are also available. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, feed kittens, clean animal pens and assist with administration. 1210 Blume Road, Rosenberg 281-342-1512 www.facebook.com/FortBendAnimalServices

South Texas Animal Adoption Resource (STAAR)

This no-kill organization works with pets who have been abused and require extra attention and care to be placed into a home. Animals are treated for injuries and illnesses and are adopted afterward for a minimal fee. The organization is committed to ensuring no animal is euthanized if it has any chance of recovery. Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising and adoption events. Volunteer requirements: Application www.staarnet.org 

Special Pals Shelter

The animal shelter takes in stray animals and owner-surrendered animals and provides basic veterinary care and adoption services. A low-cost clinic is also available to help pet owners keep their animals healthy. Volunteers are needed to walk and feed animals and clean kennels. 3830 Greenhouse Road, Houston 281-579-7387 • www.specialpalsshelter.org

Medical support

The Ballard House

The Ballard House provides housing to those traveling to the Katy area for medical treatment. The facility provides on-site laundry facilities, a game room, kitchen, library, chapel, gardens and a patio for patients and their families. Volunteers are need to assist with reception, administrative tasks, yard work, housekeepers and cooks. Volunteer requirements: Application 21421 Cinco Park Road, Katy 281-717-4670 • www.theballardhouse.org

Christ Clinic

Christ Clinic provides low- or no-cost medical services to those who cannot otherwise afford health care. The clinic is looking for volunteer physicians, nurses and medical assistants. Additional volunteer opportunities are available for Spanish interpreters and the organization’s special events committee. A grant researcher and social media coordinator are also needed. Upcoming events: Christ Clinic is participating in Giving Tuesday. Donations are accepted via www.givingtuesdaykaty.org. 25722 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 111, Katy 281-391-0190 • www.christclinickaty.org

Grace Care Center

Grace Care offers post-acute skilled rehabilitation and nursing services in a home-like environment. The center includes a common areas, gardens and social opportunities for clients. Volunteers are needed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to read to residents, assist them with grooming and to walk with clients to allow them to exercise. Volunteer requirements: 15 and younger need adults with them. Background checks and drug testing required. 23553 W. Fernhurst Drive, Katy www.gracecarekaty.com