Best Places & Ways to Volunteer During the Holidays in Austin

As you celebrate the holidays, it's important to think not only of your family, but of those in need. Volunteering your time is a great way to give to those less fortunate, and it does not have to be pricey. Here are some of the best places and ways to give back in the Austin area this holiday season.

SAFE Place
4800 Manor Rd Building A, Austin

SAFE stands for "Stop Abuse For Everyone." This organization helps men, women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, providing them with housing and counseling services. During the holidays, they are always looking for volunteers to help organize and wrap holiday gifts that have been donated to families. Most opportunities begin in mid-December, and you can sign up to help on the organization's website.

YMCA of Austin

The YMCA of Austin has 10 locations throughout the city, and they always host an annual holiday event for children. They need volunteers to help run activities, serve food and more. This is a good opportunity if you enjoy working with children, and since the YMCA is active year-round, you could always continue volunteering on a more frequent basis once the holidays are over. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form on their website to get started.

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
701 W Riverside Rd, Austin

If you're looking for a way to give back on Thanksgiving morning, volunteer at the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on November 23. You can hand out race packets, help with event-day logistics, hand out snacks and drinks after the race and more. They need about 650 volunteers per year to run the race smoothly. Proceeds go to benefit Caritas, an organization that provides housing services, job placement services and life skill classes to those in need.

Central Texas Food Bank
6500 Metropolis Dr, Austin

Central Texas Food Bank is always in need of volunteers to help serve food, cook and organize donations. You can also volunteer in their warehouse, sorting through donated food and ensuring everything is safe for those in need, or as a nutritional educator, helping families make smarter food choices at mealtime.

Hope Food Pantry
4001 Speedway, Austin

Hope Food Pantry delivers groceries to about 90 Austin families each week. They take a very personalized approach, getting to know each family's likes and needs and working to satisfy them. The organization needs volunteers to help receive grocery donations every Thursday and Friday morning, and to deliver the boxes to families. If you have a big vehicle, they will especially appreciate your help!

Whether you volunteer at a food pantry or help organize a holiday party for local children, your gift of time will be greatly appreciated by community members.

Residents at Springs at Lakeline and Springs at Round Rock apartments, have you volunteered with any of these organizations before? What was your experience like? Please share in the comments section below.