Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Around Austin

'Tis the season for spreading kindness and making a positive impact, and Austin's volunteer opportunities offer the perfect way to do just that. From serving meals to participating in festive events, there's a place for everyone to contribute to the community's holiday spirit.

Explore the various ways you can give back in Austin during the festive season, turning the joy of the holidays into a shared experience of warmth and compassion. Discover some simple yet meaningful ways to make a difference and celebrate the true spirit of the season.

 

Central Texas Food Bank

6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744

During the holiday season, the demand for food assistance often rises, making the efforts of volunteers even more critical. Many families may face additional financial strain during this time, and the Central Texas Food Bank works tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. By volunteering, individuals can help sort, pack, and distribute food items to those who require assistance, spreading joy and providing a sense of relief to families facing challenges.

Volunteering with the CTFB is not only a rewarding experience but also a valuable opportunity to connect with your community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. By giving back your time and energy, you are contributing to a brighter future for Central Texas families.

 

Operation Blue Santa

Ongoing – December 16, 2023 | 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, TX 78744

Operation Blue Santa is a program run by the Austin Police Department that provides gifts to children in need during the holidays. The program was started in 1972 by two APD officers who discovered that some families in their district did not have gifts or food for their children at Christmas. The program has grown since then and now serves over 5,000 families each year.

There are many ways to volunteer with Operation Blue Santa. You can help with toy sorting and packing, gift wrapping, or delivering gifts to families. You can also help with administrative tasks such as answering phones, processing donations, and data entry.

 

Austin Empty Bowl Project

November 19, 2023 | 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744

The Austin Empty Bowl Project is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about hunger in the Austin community. They host an annual event where around thirty restaurants and bakeries donate delicious soups and breads, while musicians donate their time and talent for entertainment. All proceeds from the event go to support local hunger relief organizations.

The Austin Empty Bowl Project is always looking for donations of soup bowls and other supplies. You can drop off donations at their office or at participating locations. Anyone is also welcome to donate food, spread the word about the events, or volunteer.

 

Coats for Kids

5330 Bluffstone Lane, Austin TX, 78759

Coat Drive Competition: November 6 – December 2, 2023
Volunteer Registration: October 10 – December 7, 2023
Distribution Week: November 30 – December 8, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, many families are struggling to make ends meet. For some, this means that they may not be able to afford winter coats for their children. This is where Coats for Kids Austin comes in.

Coats for Kids Austin is a non-profit organization that provides coats to children in need. They rely on the generosity of volunteers to make it happen. You can help by donating a new or gently used coat, spreading the word about the organization and its events, volunteering your time at a local clothing closet or thrift store, or simply making a monetary donation. Every act of generosity, no matter how big or small, can help ensure that every child in Austin has a warm coat this winter.

 

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

November 23, 2023 | The Long Center for the Performing Arts - 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot in Austin is a fantastic opportunity to give back to communities and spread holiday cheer. This Thanksgiving tradition not only promotes physical activity and community spirit but also supports a worthy cause by raising funds for Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.

The upcoming event features a diverse range of activities, including a challenging 5-mile run for avid runners, a family-friendly 1-mile walk for all fitness levels, and the Stepping Stone School Kids-K designed for children. The event aims to cater to a wide audience, promoting health, community engagement, and shared achievement in a festive atmosphere.

The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot offers a variety of volunteering opportunities to match your interests and skills. You can help with registration and packet pickup, course marshalling, water station volunteering, finish line volunteering, post-race cleanup, or administrative support.

 

Operation Turkey

November 23, 2023 | 1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

As the holiday season approaches, Operation Turkey, a non-profit organization, needs volunteers to help provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Every donation can make a world of difference in the lives of the people they serve. Your gift of $25 can provide a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in need. They also offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, including meal preparation, packaging, and delivery. Your contribution will ensure that no family in Austin goes without a Thanksgiving meal. Sign up today and be a part of this heartwarming initiative.

 

SAFE Holidays Program 2023

The SAFE Alliance - P.O. Box 19454, Austin, TX 78760

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. However, for many families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, the holiday season can be a time of stress, anxiety, and hardship. The SAFE Holidays Program 2023 in Austin aims to bring comfort and support to these families during this challenging time, and you can make a difference by volunteering your time and skills.

You can help by donating a Thanksgiving meal kit to survivors in need. You can also volunteer your time to assist in preparing holiday meals at local shelters or community centers, collect and distribute gifts for children, organize and host holiday events for families, or offer emotional support and guidance to families experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.

 

Optimist Club Of Austin

November 18, 2023 | IHOP, 1101 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746

As the holiday season approaches, the Optimist Club of Austin invites you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth while bringing the warmth and beauty of a real Christmas tree into your home. Their annual Christmas tree sale offers a wide selection of fresh-cut trees at affordable prices, with all proceeds directly benefiting youth programs in the community.

Visit the Optimist Club of Austin and make a meaningful contribution to the community. Together, let's make this holiday season a time of giving, joy, and hope for all.

 

Feed The City Round Rock: Making Meals for People In Need

December 18, 2023 | 2702 Parker Drive #STE B Round Rock, TX 78681

Feed The City Round Rock is a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger in the community by providing nutritious meals to those in need. Throughout the year, they organize various meal preparation events, and during the holiday season, the assistance provided by volunteers becomes particularly invaluable.

Holiday volunteering with Feed The City Round Rock offers a hands-on experience, allowing participants to directly contribute to the well-being of their neighbors. Whether it's chopping vegetables, assembling meal packages, or coordinating distribution logistics, volunteers become an integral part of a collective effort to combat hunger and bring a sense of comfort to those in need.

 

H-E-B Feast of Sharing

November 1, 2023 - December 21, 2023 | Throughout Texas and Mexico

H-E-B invites you to join them in their mission to spread joy and nourishment to families in need through the Feast of Sharing. This annual tradition, held at various locations across Texas and Mexico, brings together volunteers, community members, and H-E-B partners to provide warm meals and festive cheer to thousands of individuals.

H-E-B Feast of Sharing, a heartwarming Thanksgiving event, empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact by volunteering their time and skills. Join the spirit of giving by assisting in meal preparation, packaging, and delivery. Contribute to a joyful and nourishing holiday experience for families in need by helping with event setup, administrative tasks, and more. Your generosity will make a world of difference in the lives of others.

 

These opportunities around Austin are a testament to the spirit of compassion and generosity that runs deep within the community. By dedicating a few hours of your time and sharing your skills, you can make a profound impact on the lives of others, bringing joy, warmth, and support to those who need it most during this wonderful time.