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is to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through art, music and community. Volunteers can help with daily art and music sessions.1806 W. Stassney Lane, Ste. 106, Austin 78745 512-394-5394 www.theaustinharmonyproject.org

Austin Humane Society is the city’s largest no-kill, nonprofit pet adoption center dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs, educating the community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation. Volunteers help with dog walking, the Cat Adoption Team, the foster care program and more. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin 78752 512-646-7387 www.austinhumanesociety.org Twitter: @austinhumane

Austin Partners In Education provides college- and career-readiness activities for Austin Independent School District students. Volunteers provide tutoring and lead study groups.8000 Centre Park Drive, Ste. 220,

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American Red Cross serves Austin and the surrounding areas with disaster relief, and CPR and first-aid training. Volunteer opportunities include helping families impacted by home fires, connecting military families to their loved ones overseas, office administration support, public affairs, and social media.2218 Pershing Drive, Austin 78723 512-928-4271 www.redcross.org/austin Twitter: @centexredcross

Austin Habitat for Humanity aims to end the cycle of poverty and holds the belief that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live. Through faith in action, its goal is to empower community members and give them better control of their futures through homeownership. Volunteers assist in construction or do clerical tasks. 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin 78704 512-472-8788 www.austinhabitat.org Twitter: @austinhabitat

The Austin Harmony Project is a nonprofit whose mission

Austin 78754 512-637-0900 www.austinpartners.org Twitter: @AustinPartners

Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary is a Hill Country zoo and rescue sanctuary where people can learn about animals up close, spend time outdoors, get exercise and have fun. Volunteers help with office tasks, laundry duties, help clean habitats and help with animal food preparation.10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin 78736 512-288-1490 www.austinzoo.org Twitter: @theaustinzoo

Bake A Wish is a local network of volunteers who bake cakes for Austin children and adults in need. Volunteers bake and deliver cakes. No formal experience is necessary, but cake bakers must be able to make buttercream frosting, use a pastry bag to pipe a simple border, write legibly on a cake and maintain requirements for food safety. Because the organization works with protective agencies, all volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.P.O. Box 300491, Austin 78709 www.bakeawishaustin.org director@bakeawishaustin.org Twitter: @bakeawishaustin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas pairs volunteers with children in need of mentoring and positive role models. Men and Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.1400 Tillery St., Austin 78721 512-472-5437 www.bigmentoring.org/volunteer Twitter: @bigmentoring

Blue Santa brings Christmas cheer to families who might not otherwise have gifts and food. The organization was started by the Austin Police Department in 1972 and includes the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Water and Austin Energy.4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin 78744 512-974-BLUE (2583) www.bluesanta.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area—Ann Richards Girls Club offers programs and services to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Those interested in volunteering weekly to help with tutoring, homework help, activities such as arts, crafts and music classes can start applying in January.2206 Prather Lane, Austin 78704 512-444-7199 www.bgcaustin.org Twitter: @bgcaustin

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, serving more than 48,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution, assist with the mobile food pantry, help at the St. John’s Community Food Center and more. Visit www.austinfoodbank.org/volunteer for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.8201 S. Congress Ave., Austin 78745 512-282-2111 www.austinfoodbank.org Twitter: @cafbtx

Caritas of Austin supports individuals on their journey out of crisis and homelessness toward self-sufficiency through housing, food, education and employment services. Volunteers can serve lunch daily to more than 300 clients in the Community Kitchen, help with special events, provide administrative support to staff or work directly with clients.611 Neches St., Austin 78701 512-479-4610 www.caritasofaustin.org Twitter: @caritasofaustin

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Compiled by Community Impact Newspaper staff | Design by Jackie Brunk and Ethan Hill

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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Southwest Austin Edition • December 2015 25Southwest Austin Edition • December 2015 25

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CASA of Travis County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. 7701 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 301, Austin 78752 512-459-2272 www.casatravis.org Twitter: @casatravis

Divine Canines provides free therapy dog services to more than 40 sites throughout Austin and Central Texas, including school reading programs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and a Wounded Warrior Project at Fort Hood. The organization is looking for dog owners who would like to train their dogs to become therapy dogs.2407 S. Congress Ave., Ste. E-401, Austin 78704 512-655-DOG5 www.divinecanines.org

Drive a Senior—South Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship for the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.205 E. Monroe St., Austin 78704 512-445-5552 www.driveasenior.org

Drive a Senior—Southwest Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship for the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.3801 Capital of Texas Hwy., E240-77, Austin 78746 512-364-6501 www.driveasenior.org

El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping Latino and other families in Central Texas lead healthy, productive and secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care, education and financial security services.7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin 78745 512-439-0700 www.elbuen.org

The Foster Angels of Central Texas Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of children in foster care, ensuring that each child has his or her basic needs met, and provide life-enriching and life-enhancing experiences whenever possible. The foundation serves 30 counties. Volunteers can participate in seasonal programs such as assembling gift boxes, school backpacks and Christmas gifts.P.O. Box 152575, Austin 78715 512-732-2329 www.fosterangelsctx.org Twitter: @fosterangels

Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality housing to families and individuals with low incomes. Volunteers can work with clients and residents in a variety of ways, such as serving meals, providing free tax-preparation services, financial coaching, tutoring in the after-school program and more.3036 S. First St., Austin 78704 512-610-7377 www.foundcom.org Twitter: @foundcom

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 to conserve, restore and create healthy landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the gardens, festivals, educational programs, a store and the new family garden.4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin 78739 512-232-0102 www.wildflower.org/volunteer Twitter: @wildflowerctr

LifeWorks helps individuals, youth and families by providing

counseling, education and housing. Volunteers are needed to help with maintenance, tutoring, Project Holiday Help and more. 3700 S. First St., Austin 78704 512-735-2400 www.lifeworksaustin.org Twitter: @lifeworksaustin

SafePlace’s mission is to lead efforts in ending sexual assault and exploitation and domestic violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy for change. Volunteers work directly with families and individuals as well as provide assistance through indirect service in clerical or administrative roles. They accompany survivors to court, answer hotline calls, plan children’s birthday parties, deliver toys to SafePlace for clients for the Holiday Giving Program and more.P.O. Box 19454, Austin 78760 512-267-7233 www.safeaustin.org/spvolunteer Twitter: @safeplace_atx

Sustainable Food Center is in charge of the SFC Farmers Market and creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and participate in a vibrant local food system. Volunteer opportunities include clerical duties, school garden mentors, chef demos, child care and working in the information booth at the farmers market.2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. C, Austin 78702 512-236-0074, ext. 114 www.sustainablefoodcenter.org Twitter: @sfclocal

Tapestry Dance Company is a professional nonprofit dance organization. Volunteers help with opportunities ranging from light clerical office projects to special events assistance to repairs and maintenance.4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 250, Austin 78704 512-474-9846 www.tapestry.org Twitter: @tapestrydance

United Way for Greater Austin works with communities of volunteers that include individuals, businesses

and other nonprofit groups. The agency coordinates nearly 10,000 volunteers annually to serve the needs of residents in Travis County and 10 surrounding counties. Volunteers may choose from hundreds of opportunities that include working with students, nursing home residents, environmental groups and the homeless, supporting already-planned corporate or municipal events. 512-382-8611 www.uwatx.org/volunteer Twitter: @uwatx

YMCA of Austin—Southwest Branch puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA’s purpose is to enhance the lives of people in the community by providing programs, activities and facilities that develop and maintain opportunities. Volunteers help with special events, coaching, maintenance, mentoring, policy and more.6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin 78735 512-891-9622 www.austinymca.org

This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, email us at listings@communityimpact.com, and we will add it to our online list. For more Southwest Austin volunteer opportunities, visit communityimpact.com/guides.

Jan. 9, 20169 a.m.–Noon

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SHOWCASEJoin us to learn more about the special programming

available at Austin ISD high schools

Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com26 Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com26

Austin Parks Foundation 512-477-1566 | www.austinparks.org

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Austin Parks Foundation It’s My Park Day

By Joseph Basco Each year, volunteers on the first Saturday of March mulch trees, pick up trash, paint playgrounds, remove graffiti, and do other various tasks to improve the parks and greenbelts in Austin.

The It’s My Park Day initiative by the Austin Parks Foundation is the nonprofit’s largest one-day, multi-park project event, said Bill Stout, volunteer manager and environmental educator.

“We’ve gotten to the point to where we have upwards of 90 to 100 projects throughout Austin,” Stout said.

Featured Event

In Southwest Austin, parks such as Dick Nichols District Park and Convict Hill Quarry Park have participated in larger It’s My Park Day projects in the past, Stout said.

Most of the park projects usually last from 9 a.m.-noon, but some may go longer, Stout said. Neighborhood groups at some of the larger parks may host block parties for the projects, he added.

Volunteers also receive a free shirt, Stout said.

The 2016 event is slated for March 5. Volunteer registration for It’s My Park Day opens in February at the Austin Parks Foundation website, Stout said.

Serving the Austin community5,877 Austin-area

nonprofits generated $5.6 billion in revenue in 2014.

Sources: Mission Capital; I Live Here, I Give Here; Corporation for National and Community Service; city of Austin 2012 volunteerism study; Chronicle of Philanthropy; United Way for Greater Austin/Community Impact Newspaper

That is a 95% increase from what area nonprofits earned in 2004.

An estimated 28.6% of area residents volunteer, ranking

Austin 17th among the 51 largest

U.S. metropolitan areas as of 2013.

The percentage of Austin-area residents who volunteer

has decreased 10.9% from

2005 to 2013.

The percentage of residents donating money

also fell from 5.8% to 4.2% between 1997 and 2008.

On average, residents volunteer 30.9 hours per year, which is less than the national average of 32.1 hours.

ANNUAL AVERAGE CHARITABLE DONATIONS (by percentage of individual net income in 2012)

• Travis Co. 2.67%• Williamson Co. 2.81%• Hays Co. 2.81%• Texas: 3.59%• United States: 4.7%

MAIN VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES• Collect/distribute

food 22.4%• General labor 20.8%• Mentor youth 20.1%• Raise funds 18.6%

• Armadillo Park

• Battle Bend Park

• Bauerle Ranch Park

• Cherry Creek Park

• Circle C Metropolitan Park

• Convict Hill Quarry Park

• Dick Nichols District Park

• Dittmar District Park

Parks* in Southwest Austin include:

• Garrison Park

• Gillis Park

• Longview Park

• Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

• Onion Creek Metropolitan Park

• South Austin Park and Recreation Center

• Sunset Valley Nature Area

*Not all of these parks are participating in It’s My Park Day. This list is not comprehensive.

SunsetValley.org/Shopping HWY 290 & BRODIE LANE

OVER 100 STORES & RESTAURANTS

Everything Under the SunS U N S E T VA L L E Y

Southwest Austin Edition • December 2015 27Southwest Austin Edition • December 2015 27

Thanks to your support all year long,we are able to make sure families inCentral Texas have a healthy life and

a happy holiday season!

There’s still time to give!Through December 31st yourgift will be matched, so every$1 donated provides 6 mealsfor your neighbors in need.

Give today at austinfoodbank.org

Our Capital Campaign is almost complete and we’reexcited to move into our new facility in the summer of 2016.

Our growth wouldn’t be possible withoutthe support of these generous donors:

H-E-B

The Moody Foundation

Applied Materials Foundation

Allison Family Foundation

Walmart Foundation

Dave & Ana Martin

Fidelity Foundation

Meadows Foundation

3M Foundation

The Shield–Ayers Foundation

BBVA Compass Foundation

Topfer Family Foundation

Hank & Mary Perret

Eric & Keri Stumberg

Connie Britt

Judy & Hector Ruiz

Bryant & Esther Burke

Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Y. Womack III

ONE Gas Foundation

Melissa and O.G. Straube

Gary & Lisa Tanner

National Instruments

Silicon Laboratories

AMD

PlainsCapital Bank

Cathy & Dwight Thompson

Janet Harman & Kent Mayes

Loren & Staci Radtke

For a full list of supporters and more information on ourcapital campaign visit austinfoodbank.org/campaign

Thank you and happy holidays!We have big changes

coming in 2016!