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.

— Central Texas Food Bank
Children eight and older can volunteer in the Warehouse at the Central Food Bank of Texas.  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.

Photo Credit: Central Texas Food Bank Austin

— Generation Serve
Families with children as young as three-years-old can volunteer with Generation Serve.  While many of their December volunteer opportunities are full, they have a great lineup with events like handing out dog treats at Community First! Holiday Market and washing laundry for the Humane Society (12 and up).  You can register your family here and take a look at their upcoming calendar to get started.

Photo Credit: Generation Serve Facebook Page

— Little Helpers (Shalom Austin and Generation Serve)
Little Helpers provides opportunities for children to learn about volunteering alongside their caregivers. You and your little one(s) can register for their five week course, which is held on Sundays from 10-11am at either their Westlake Location or North Central Austin Location.

Photo Credit: Shalom Austin

— Little Hummingbird Society
This formerly paid membership is now FREE and offers info on family friendly park and volunteer activities.  While there aren’t currently any upcoming events listed for the Little Hummingbird Society, Austin Parks and Recreation has evergreen opportunities for families to help keep ATX parks beautiful here. There are lists of parks yet-to-be-adopted, ways to plant wildflowers at home, and even space to record your impact (last year more than 20,000 volunteer hours were recorded!)

— 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 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 Saturdays December 31, January 7, or January 8.  Drop-off is anytime between 10am and 2pm.

Photo Credit: Operation Blue Santa Facebook Page

— Operation Blue Santa
Join operation Blue Santa on December 17 beginning at 8am as they deliver the toys and gifts they’ve collected, wrapped and sorted to the recipients. No need to RSVP to help out, just bring your driver’s license, they’ll load up your car with gifts, and you’ll get to deliver them to families with your family.  You can find all of the details here.

Photo Credit: Meals on Wheels Facebook Page

— 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!