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
Each year, the Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, 98.1 KVET, and KVUE partner to bring the community together to ensure that the children of Central Texas stay warm in the winter by collecting and distributing warm coats to eligible children and teenagers in Central Texas. If you would like to donate a coat (brand new or gently used), please drop it off at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center at 5330 Bluffstone Lane from November 11 through December 1, 2025. You can also make an online donation – every $20 buys a new coat.
The Austin Empty Bowl Project returns Sunday, November 23, 2025, 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 29th 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
Before you settle in for that giant Thanksgiving feast, enjoy some exercise in downtown Austin while you show support for Caritas of Austin in the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot. The event is held on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, beginning at 8:30 am at The Long Center). Sign up for the 5-mile (timed or untimed), 1-mile walk/run, or Stepping Stone School Kids-K that begins at 8:45 am at the Long Center. Registration is open here.
— Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey aims to provide 45,000 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 are day-of volunteering options, as well as turkey prep the day before. 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 provides toys and meals to families in need so they can have an enjoyable holiday season. Kids 12 and up can register to volunteer with their parents at events to sort, package, and distribute the toys. You can also donate financially here, and keep on the lookout for places to drop off new toys for Operation Blue Santa.
— SAFE Alliance Holiday Wish Lists
The SAFE Alliance serves the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. SAFE Austin serves hundreds of youth, adults, and families during the holiday season, and your help is needed to grant thousands of wishes to local families. Check out their holiday volunteering and donation opportunities here.
— A Christmas Affair
Join in the spirit of giving at the Junior League of Austin’s annual holiday market, featuring more than 200 merchants from across the country. Shoppers can browse gifts, holiday décor, clothing, and more while helping support community programs like Coats for Kids and Food in Tummies. The event includes thoughtful amenities for families, such as two Mother’s Rooms and a complimentary shuttle from Barton Creek Mall. A Golden Ticket option is also available for those looking to enhance their shopping experience.
— Dancing with the Stars Austin
Dancing with the Stars Austin is the largest annual fundraiser for the Center for Child Protection, bringing together local celebrities, professional dancers, and community members for an evening of entertainment and purpose. Funds raised help the Center provide vital services and resources for child abuse victims in Travis County, as well as education programs that raise awareness and prevent future abuse. Get more info on how to get involved, donate, and attend events supporting the Center for Child Protection here.
Generation Serve
Make community service a family affair with Generation SERVE, where children as young as 3 volunteer alongside adults in meaningful projects throughout Central Texas. Their “Family Volunteer Day” in November gives parents and kids the chance to choose from 20+ service projects that support 30+ local nonprofits.
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!
