17 volunteer opportunities in the Northwest Austin area

From art projects and babies to food banks and thrift stores, check out 17 volunteer opportunities in the Northwest Austin and surrounding area.

Any Baby Can

The nonprofit organization provides child development, family health and parent support services in Austin and surrounding counties with in-home services for children facing a scary diagnosis, first-time moms and parents who need extra support.

Sample activities: at-home projects such as making developmental tools for kids and creating decorations for client celebrations; hands-on help at seasonal family events and fundraisers; custom volunteer experiences for corporate, school, and community groupsDonations: monetary donations, in-kind donations accepted on a case-by-case basis6207 Sheridan Ave., Austinwww.anybabycan.orgAustin Creative Reuse

The nonprofit sells gently used art and creative materials.

Sample activities: work on reuse art projects, sort art supplies, assist in education programs at local schoolsDonations accepted: paints, canvases, drawing tools, fabrics, yarn, sewing supplies, vintage items, small tools and containers2005 Wheless Lane, Austinwww.austincreativereuse.orgAustin Diaper Bank

The nonprofit provides babies and caregivers with essential items such as diapers and menstrual products for free.

Sample activities: wrapping, counting and packing diaper and menstrual products, sorting and organization donations, assembling kits, events and campaign supportDonations accepted: monetary donations, diapers, unopened baby wipes, menstrual products, unopened and unexpired baby formula2210 Denton Drive, Austinwww.austindiapers.orgAustin Habitat for Humanity

The nonprofit is dedicated to building and rehabilitating homes for low- to moderate-income families. It also operates Restores, which sell donated home goods to fund its mission.

Sample activities: constructing new homes, working on home repair projects, volunteering at a ReStore location or donation centerDonations accepted: gently-used or new building supplies, appliances, furniture, home goods, clothes, electronics500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austinwww.austinhabitat.orgBetter ATX Thrift House

Formerly known as Assistance League of Austin, Better ATX is an all-volunteer nonprofit that aims to strengthen communities through the operation of its seven programs that serve children, teens and adults in the Greater Austin area. Programs and operations are funded by Thrift House revenue, foundation grants, member dues and donations.

Sample activities: volunteer in the Thrift House; provide school-age children in need with new school clothing, shoes and toiletries; work with hospital patients; and perform administrative servicesDonations accepted: monetary donations4901 Burnet Road, Austinwww.betteratx.orgCASA of Travis County

Volunteers advocate for children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect in Travis County.

Sample activities: serving as a court-appointed special advocate assigned to a child and familyDonations accepted: monetary donations8303 N. Mopac Expy., Ste. A100, Austinwww.casatravis.orgCentral Texas Food Bank

The organization is a hunger-relief nonprofit whose mission is to provide immediate and equitable access to food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area.

Sample activities: preparing afterschool meals for kids, sorting products, harvesting produce, assisting mobile pantry distributionsDonations accepted: monetary donations and food donations6500 Metropolis Drive, Austinwww.centraltexasfoodbank.orgThe Charlie Center

The homeless navigation and hospitality center offers navigation services to help individuals move toward permanent housing.

Sample activities: preparing a dish, helping to serve a meal, light set-up and clean-up of navigation center, welcoming homeless clients into the navigation center, helping clients check their mailDonations accepted: foam bowls, disposable lunch plates, napkins, granulated sugar, coffee creamer, ground coffee, items off Amazon wishlist12675 Research Blvd., Austinwww.thecharliecenter.orgDrive a Senior Northwest

The nonprofit provides senior citizens with free transportation to medical appointments, errands and grocery stores.

Sample activities: driving seniors, helping with a senior day out event, playing games and providing baked goodsDonations accepted: postage stamps and monetary gifts11512 Olson Drive, Austinwww.driveaseniornorthwest.orgHand to Hold

The nonprofit offers support and resources to families with an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Sample activities: peer mentorship, online fundraisingDonations accepted: monetary donations12325 Hymeadow Dr., Ste. 4-102, Austinwww.handtohold.orgKnowbility

Founded in 1999, the nonprofit offers digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities with a mission to eliminate barriers in information technology.

Sample activities: graphic design, email marketing, grant writing, social media, video captions, transcription, attendee registration, room monitoring, sighted guides, setup, breakdownDonations accepted: financial, program sponsorships, in-kind donations for in-person events, A/V services, photography, live entertainment, videographywww.knowbility.orgLadies Let’s Talk

The nonprofit’s mission is to build a community of immigrant and volunteer women from across the U.S. to practice English, create connections and promote confident participation in daily life through English conversation practice.

Sample activities: weekly conversation program, English practice partners, or English pronunciation program, all via ZoomDonations accepted: monetary donationswww.lltaustin.orgMeals on Wheels Central Texas

The organization helps homebound and older adults age in place through home-delivered meals along with other programs including Senior Lunch Centers, a PALS program that assists seniors with pet food and veterinary care, and more.

Sample activities: weekday lunch hour meal delivery, 2nd Saturday grocery delivery, pet to vet transport, office help and a variety of other special projects and volunteer needsDonations accepted: monetary donations3227 E. 5th St., Austinwww.mowctx.orgMobile Loaves & Fishes

The Christian social outreach ministry serves the homeless community through three core programs that provide food, clothing, hygiene products, affordable housing and more.

Samples activities: art projects, food distribution, gardening, home preparationDonations accepted: monetary donations, Amazon wishlist items9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austinwww.mlf.orgSwan Songs

Swan Songs creates a sense of connection for individuals near the end of life by gifting them private concerts and supports live music in a community by compensating artists for the concerts.

Sample activities: concert liaison, event volunteer, outreach volunteer, administrative volunteer2101 S. I-35, Ste. 219, Austinwww.swansongs.orgWe Are Blood

The blood supply organization serves more than 50 medical facilities and EMS agencies across 10 counties in Central Texas.

Sample activities: donating blood, transporting donations, assisting at blood drives and events, office support, community outreachDonations accepted: blood and platelet donations, monetary donations4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austinwww.weareblood.orgWonders & Worries

The nonprofit provides free, professional support to children and teens throughout their parent or caregiver’s illness or injury.

Sample activities: volunteer at events, serve as an outreach ambassador or on the board of directorsDonations accepted: monetary donations9101 Burnet Road, Ste. 205, Austinwww.wondersandworries.org