Looking for a way to give back this November? The season of gratitude is the perfect time to volunteer as a family and help support our Austin community. From food drives and park cleanups to donation events and hands-on service projects, there are plenty of ways to make a difference together this month.
Coats for Kids
Help keep Central Texas kids warm this winter! The Junior League of Austin partners with Jack Brown Cleaners, 98.1 KVET, and KVUE to collect and distribute coats to children and teens in need. Families can donate new or gently used coats year-round at the Junior League’s Community Impact Center (5330 Bluffstone Lane) or participating Jack Brown Cleaners locations. You can also donate online, where every $20 provides a new coat for a child.
Austin Empty Bowl Project
The Austin Empty Bowl Project returns Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 11 am at the Central Texas Food Bank. For a $30 donation, families can choose a handmade bowl, fill it with soup and bread, and enjoy live local music. The bowl is yours to keep as a reminder of those whose bowls are empty.
Now in its 30th year, this beloved Austin tradition raises funds for Central Texas Food Bank Kids Cafe and Meals on Wheels Central Texas. The event is organized entirely by volunteers and local potters, with one hundred percent of proceeds donated to help fight hunger in our community.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Get moving for a good cause this Thanksgiving at the 36th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26, at the Long Center. Families can choose from a timed or untimed 5-mile run, a 1-mile walk/run, or the Stepping Stone School Kids K. The Kids K starts at 8:15 am, followed by the timed 5-mile run at 8:30 am. Proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, and you can also sign up to volunteer. Register here.
Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey aims to provide 65,000 meals to those in need on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like to be a part of their big day(s) of volunteering, click here to sign up. There volunteer options forNovember 25 and 26. You can also visit OperationTurkey.com/Donate to help by making an online donation.
Central Texas Food Bank
For many of our neighbors in need, the holiday season often means a struggle to put food on the table. Help the Central Texas Food Bank ensure that our neighbors in need can gather around a full table by making a donation or setting up your own fundraising page, and get friends and family involved in helping the cause. There are also opportunities to volunteer here.
Operation Blue Santa
Austin Police’s Operation Blue Santa helps bring holiday cheer to local families in need by providing toys and meals during the holiday season. While volunteer spots are already full for 2026, families can still support the program by making an online donation or donating new, unwrapped toys at participating drop-off locations.
SAFE Alliance Holiday Wish Lists
The SAFE Alliance supports survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence throughout Central Texas. During the holiday season, families can help bring some joy to the children and adults SAFE serves by donating gifts and essential items through their holiday wish lists. Learn more about ways to give back this holiday season.
A Christmas Affair
Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting a good cause at the Junior League of Austin’s annual A Christmas Affair, November 19–22 at Palmer Events Center. Browse gifts, holiday décor, clothing, and more from over 200 merchants, with proceeds supporting local community programs like Coats for Kids and Food in Tummies. The event also offers a complimentary shuttle from Barton Creek Square Mall to make your visit easier.
Generation Serve
Make community service a family affair with Generation SERVE, where kids as young as 3 can volunteer alongside adults. Their free Family Volunteer Day takes place Sunday, November 15, at Austin Central Library, with hands-on projects supporting more than 20 local nonprofits. Families can choose from two sessions, noon–1:30 pm or 1–2:30 pm. Register in advance to participate.
No matter how you’re giving back this month, we appreciate all you do to share with others in need. Thank you for helping make our Austin community so full of love!
