Give the Gift of Time at 5 Deserving Charitable Organizations in Corpus Christi

Giving and receiving brightly wrapped packages is one of the joys of the holidays. The gift of your time to help the needy and less fortunate provides a deeply satisfying feeling that fulfills the true spirit of the season. Why not consider lending a hand to one of these worthy organizations in Corpus Christi? You may find the experience one that you want to make a regular part of your year-round activities.

Elder Helpers

Senior citizens are often restricted by diminishing physical abilities, although their minds remain bright and active. Elder Helpers is a web-based organization that connects older people with volunteers who fit their needs. You begin by opening an account and creating a profile specifying your areas of interest, such as cooking, shopping, cleaning, or entertaining. Participating seniors then browse the profiles and request a code to contact volunteers of their choice. Safeguards are employed on both sides to protect privacy.

Driscoll Children's Hospital
3533 S. Alameda Street
361.694.5000 

It's difficult enough for a child to spend time in the hospital, but it can be even worse over the holidays. Driscoll Children's Hospital provides comprehensive surgical and medical care for kids throughout the 31-county region of South Texas. Volunteers are needed to greet and assist patients, distribute toys, spend time in the playroom, and staff the Carousel Gift Shop, Cottage Shop resale store, and the Connection Cookie Shop.

Food Bank of Corpus Christi
826 Krill Street
361.887.6291

Hunger is one of the more prevalent and heartbreaking problems in the United States. Food Bank of Corpus Christi feeds nearly 80,000 people annually in an 11-county area of South Texas through their agencies and pantries as well as mobile pantry drops, kids' cafes and Friday food backpack distributions. Sign up to help by sorting and packing food at their warehouse or assisting with mobile food drops.

American Red Cross
1721 S. Brownlee Boulevard
361.887.9991

The Red Cross is a dependable presence at the site of emergencies, but they provide vital services such as blood drives and CPR training all year long. Volunteers make up 90 percent of their work force, performing duties ranging from disaster response team members to office administrative help.

USO South Texas
320 - 5th Street SE
361.961.2391

USO gives back to the military members who support and protect our country by providing services to them and their families, both at home and abroad. They have a number of volunteer opportunities including working shifts at the Corpus Christi center, serving on committees such as outreach or social media, and participating in events and programs like the food pantry and holiday softball tournaments.

These are just a few of the deserving organizations around Corpus Christi. If you have one to add to the list, share it with your Springs at Corpus Christi neighbors in the comments!