26 ways to volunteer, give back to the community in Central Austin

Looking for volunteer opportunities in Central Austin? Check out our list of 26 nonprofits looking for volunteers or donations this season.

This list is noncomprehensive. Nonprofits are listed in alphabetical order.

Any Baby Can

The nonprofit provides child development, family health and parent support services in Austin and surrounding counties.

Sample activities: creating developmental tools for kids or decorations for celebrations; help at events and fundraisers; custom experiences for groupsDonations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations on a case-by-case basis6207 Sheridan Ave., Austinwww.anybabycan.org/get-involvedAustin Parks Foundation

APF is dedicated to partnering with the community to enhance people’s lives by improving public parks, trails and green spaces through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. Since its inception in 1992, APF has invested more than $85 million into the city’s parks.

Sample activities: mulching, litter cleanup, invasive species removalDonations accepted: monetary gifts1023 Springdale Road, Austinwww.austinparks.orgAustin Pets Alive

APA is a nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving companion animals most at risk of euthanasia and has helped 130,000 pets since 2008.

Sample activities: dog walking, dog and cat care, shelter support, fostering, assisting in the medical clinic, marketing, events and data entryDonations accepted: monetary gifts and pet supplies.1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austinwww.austinpetsalive.orgBetter ATX Thrift House

Formerly known as Assistance League of Austin, the nonprofit 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 with clothing, shoes and toiletries; work with hospital patients; perform administrative servicesDonations accepted: monetary gifts4901 Burnet Road, Austinwww.betteratx.org/get-involvedBig Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas

Since 1971, the nonprofit has facilitated mentor-mentee matches. The organization’s mission is to provide the support and guidance youth need to achieve their full potential.

Sample activities: match events, fundraising or event support, mentorshipsDonations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austinwww.bigmentoring.orgBlair Woods Nature Preserve

The 10-acre nature preserve provides woodland, riparian and prairie habitat for urban wildlife and is open to the public daily.

Caritas of Austin

The nonprofit is dedicated to providing homes and tailored services to prevent and end homelessness.

Sample activities: serve lunch in the Community Kitchen; assemble and donate care kits; work directly with clients; provide administrative support; pick up and deliver donationsDonations accepted: monetary donations, gift cards, snack packs, hygiene packs, winter care kits611 Neches St., Austinwww.caritasofaustin.orgCentral Texas Food Bank

The hunger-relief nonprofit works to provide access to nutritious food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area.

Sample activities: preparing afterschool meals, sorting products in the warehouse and harvesting produce in the garden, assisting with one of 40 mobile pantry distributionsDonations accepted: monetary gifts, 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; set-up and clean-up of the center; welcoming clients; helping clients check mailDonations accepted: foam bowls, disposable lunch plates, napkins, granulated sugar, coffee creamer, ground coffee, items off Amazon wishlistMosaic Church, 12675 Research Blvd., Austin; 12116 Jekel Circle, Austinwww.thecharliecenter.org/new-page-volunteerCommunities In Schools of Central Texas

The nonprofit works with students pre-K through 12th grade to provide the support and resources they need to unlock their potential and thrive.

Sample activities: meet with a student weekly at their campus as a reading buddy, math buddy or mentor; host a supply drive at your business or groupDonations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations, drivesLocated within 55 schools in Austin ISDwww.ciscentraltexas.orgCouncil on At-Risk Youth (CARY Kids)

CARY’s mission is to empower at-risk youth with skills to avoid crime and violence.

Sample activities: planning an event or program, dropping off donations, helping celebrate CARY graduations, supporting service learning projects and field tripsDonations accepted: monetary gifts, sponsorships3710 Cedar Street, Box 23, Austinwww.cary4kids.orgDrive a Senior

Drive a Senior ATX, Chariot and Senior Access recently merged to become one agency to serve more older adults in the greater Austin area. Now called Drive a Senior, the nonprofit’s mission is to empower older adults to live independently, stay connected and age in place by providing crucial transportation and support services, helping seniors avoid social isolation and maintain their quality of life.

Sample activities: using own car to provide transportation to seniors; helping at home with minor repairs; technical support and light yard work.Donations accepted: monetary gifts2601 Exposition Blvd., Austinwww.driveasenioratx.orgEducation Connection

The nonprofit works to improve childhood literacy rates by offering one-on-one reading support to children.

Sample activities: reading with students, practicing reading fluency, discussing stories and readingDonations accepted: monetary giftswww.education-connection.org Explore Austin

The nonprofit empowers youth from economically disadvantaged communities through leadership, mentoring and outdoor adventure.

Sample activities: become a youth mentor, work a fundraising event, join the young professionals group, organize the warehouse gear, serve breakfast to youth, work a shift during summer wilderness trip seasonDonations accepted: outdoor gear and monetary donations1211 W. Sixth St., Ste. 600, Austinwww.exploreaustin.orgFoundation Communities

The nonprofit provides affordable homes and free on-site support services.

Sample activities: helping Central Texans file their taxes, manage finances, find insurance plans, learn English, help children with their homeworkDonations accepted: monetary gifts3000 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 300, Austinwww.foundcom.orgFront Steps

Founded in 1997, the nonprofit provides shelter, affordable housing, and education to help residents find stability and long-term housing.

Sample activities: support fundraising events through organizing and administrative tasks; distribute hygiene kits and blankets; assist with annual community outreach and data collection effortsDonations accepted: monetary gifts, blankets and new coats4507 N. I-35 Frontage Road, Austinwww.frontsteps.orgHealth Alliance for Austin Musicians

The nonprofit provides access to affordable healthcare for low-income, working musicians, DJs and music teachers in Central Texas by offering a range of services, including dental, vision, hearing and mental health care. The team also helps members navigate the healthcare system.

Sample activities: event support, information tabling, donation collecting, selling merchandise, administrative work, material deliveryDonations accepted: monetary gifts3036 S. First St., Austinwww.myhaam.orgJunior Achievement of Central Texas

Part of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the Austin chapter offers programs on career readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship to children and young adults.

Sample activities: student mentorship, event setup and teardown, program presentations, one-day program assistanceDonations accepted: monetary giftswww.jacentex.orgKeep Austin Fed

Keep Austin Fed is a food rescue organization that collects surplus food from businesses throughout Austin and redistributes it to communities facing hunger.

Sample activities: food rescue driver, food sorting and organizing at cooler hub, assist with community food giveawaysDonations accepted: monetary giftswww.keepaustinfed.orgLifeWorks

The local nonprofit is dedicated to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education and workforce services. Each year, the nonprofit partners with more than 2,500 youths to build pathways to safety, stability, and opportunity.

Sample activities: ongoing support opportunities include assisting with daily operations at the Youth Resource Center, holiday program opportunities include organizing holiday gifts for clientsDonations accepted: in-kind food donations835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austinwww.lifeworksaustin.orgManos de Cristo

The dental practice offers low-cost dental care. The organization also provides adult education programs, including English learning classes, computer skills workshops, and citizenship courses. In addition, the center operates a food pantry that distributes food and clothing.

Sample activities: support adult learners through ESL programs, computer and citizenship classes; distribute food; provide dental careDonations accepted: monetary gifts, food and clothing donations, auction item donations4911 Harmon Ave., Austinwww.manosdecristo.orgMeals on Wheels Central Texas

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

Sample activities: lunch hour delivery, grocery delivery, pet to vet transport, office helpDonations accepted: monetary gifts3227 E. Fifth St., Austinwww.mowctx.orgRonald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas

The 30-bedroom Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay near the hospital with meals, laundry and spaces to rest at no cost. Family rooms inside partner hospitals offer parents a quiet place to recharge and Happy Wheels Carts bring snacks, small toys and comfort to families in hospital rooms. Family Support Services provide emotional and practical resources.

Sample activities: cook and serve meals, help with daily tasks, restocking and assisting with families in needDonations accepted: monetary gifts1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Ste. 1/2, Austinwww.rmhc-ctx.orgSwan Songs

The nonprofit gives private concerts to individuals near the end of life.

Sample activities: concert liaison, event volunteer, outreach volunteer, administrative volunteerDonations accepted: monetary gifts2101 S. I-35, Ste. 219, Austinwww.swansongs.orgSunrise Homeless Navigation Center

Sunrise offers pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness through access to wraparound services. The organization has helped more than 5,000 households move into supportive housing and serves more than 10,000 people each year.

Sample activities: sorting donations, assembling hygiene kits, making first aid kits, hanging clothing, serving in the cafeDonations accepted: monetary gifts, in-kind donations4430 Menchaca Road, Austinwww.sunrisenavigationcenter.orgThe Trail Conservancy

TTC works to protect and enhance the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake.

Sample activities: native planting and seeding, mulching, trash pickup, event supportDonations accepted: monetary gifts, corporate sponsorships, memberships1920 E. Riverside Drive, Ste. A-120, PMB 223, Austinwww.thetrailconservancy.org