There’s an adorable kids’ book called Have You Filled a Bucket Today? and the gist is that we all carry an invisible bucket inside of us, and kindness and giving to others fills our bucket and theirs. Giving back has so many benefits – to the community, to the giver (hello, dopamine!), and to teaching our kids what it means to be part of the larger community. Here’s our list of volunteer opportunities to do with your family this holiday season and beyond.
*Header photo credit: Meals On Wheels Central Texas
— Operation Blue Santa
Kids 12 and older can volunteer with their families at Operation Blue Santa. Operation Blue Santa’s mission is to provide food and toys to children of families in need to ensure they have an enjoyable holiday season. Check here for upcoming opportunities to help out. You can also help by donating toys and books. Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Toy Drive for Operation Blue Santa is focusing on collecting toys and books for boys and girls ages 11 – 14 for 2024 as the toy drive is always low in that age category. Get more info here.
— Central Texas Food Bank
Children eight and older can volunteer in the Central Food Bank of Texas Warehouse. Kids 15 and older can help out in their kitchen, garden, and mobile pantry. Please note: when registering, each family member will need their own account. More in FAQ here.
— Generation Serve
Families with children as young as three years old can volunteer with Generation Serve. Some upcoming opportunities include sorting and wrapping holiday gifts, visiting with senior friends, and washing laundry at the Humane Society. You can register your family here and take a look at their upcoming calendar to get started.
— Shalom Families Mensch Village @ Shalom Austin
Shalom Families Mensch Village is a program that engages children in the value of tikkun olam, repairing the world, alongside their parents and caregivers. Through this program, young families will address food insecurity in Austin, visit retirement communities for Shabbat, and participate in a Service Learning Series. To sign up or learn more, contact Joan: [email protected]
— Holiday Tree Recycling
The City of Austin has been recycling trees for more than thirty years and they’re currently looking for volunteers to help out. While you have to be 18 to volunteer (sign up here), kids can actively see the importance of recycling by dropping off their family Christmas tree with their parent or guardian on Saturday, December 28, Saturday, January 4, or Sunday, January 5. City of Austin curbside customers can also recycle Christmas trees at their curb beginning December 26. Get more info here.
— Meals on Wheels
Children under 18 can accompany their parents and caregivers to deliver food and do well-checks for homebound seniors. With more than 5,000 seniors in need in Central Texas, there are many ways to help out, from grocery shopping to delivering seniors’ furry friends their pet food. Both kids and adults can fill out their applications here.
Looking for more ways to give back throughout the year? Check these out Volunteering with Kids in Austin. Also, let us know your favorite places to volunteer with your family in the comments below!
