Volunteer

Central Texas Charities Need YOU!

Many local organizations are struggling to make ends meet and need our help and support. Can you find the time or a little extra cash to make a difference in the lives of the neediest? I’ve included an excerpt from each organization’s website to give you an idea of the types of services they provide, to help you choose who you want to support.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas “is dedicated to saving lives, easing suffering and restoring hope at home and around the world.

All Red Cross assistance is given free of charge, made possible by the generous contribution of people’s time, money, and skills. It is an independent, humanitarian, voluntary organization, not a government agency.”

I corresponded with M. Diane Ventresca, Director of Development and Communications for The American Red Cross of Central Texas. She asked me to also share the links for this year’s season of giving campaign. You can Donate Here. In addition, you can purchase from their 2009 Holiday Gift Giving Catalog.

The Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas “serves as the fundraising arm for Dell Children’s Medical Center. We partner with families, individuals and organizations to support the hospital’s mission to serve the sick and injured children in the Central Texas 46-county region.”

The Humane Society “is Austin’s largest no kill, non-profit animal adoption shelter dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs by educating our community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation.”

The mission of Dress for Success “is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

Hands on Central Texas is “a program of United Way Capital Area strenghthens communities though meaningful volunteer action.”

Heart House Austin “is a free afterschool program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens.”

At Hospice Austin, “the emphasis is on living – living each day to the fullest, in a comfortable place, free of pain and in the company of loved ones. Our patients and families have the assurance that they are being served by one of the oldest and largest non-profit hospice programs in Texas. We provide family-centered, quality end of life care that emphasizes compassion, independence, respect and dignity.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters “helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.”

BookSpring “instills children with a love of reading and promotes books as a means to success. By offering a range of programs that support early literacy, BookSpring champions the value of reading and encourages parents to read to their children from birth on, resulting in stronger families and increased life-long opportunities for every child.”

“In its 28th year of service, the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) currently provides food and grocery products to more than 350 Partner Agencies in 21 Central Texas counties. In 2008, CAFB distributed more than 17 million pounds of food. The CAFB service area covers 19,064 square miles in Central Texas.”

Caritas “provides a service continuum for those experiencing poverty that begins with a safety net and links them to resources to achieve self-sufficiency.”

“Through faith in action, Austin Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with families and engages our community to end the cycle of poverty housing.”

“This year, MOWAM celebrates 37 years of service in the Greater Austin area. What began as a program of eight volunteers serving 29 seniors has now expanded into a multi-service organization of 5,000 volunteers serving almost 2,500 elderly and disabled persons each day.

Aside from preparing an average of 936,009 meals in 2008 year, MOWAM also offers many other programs designed to keep people healthy and living in their own homes.”

SafePlace “exists to end sexual and domestic violence. Nationally recognized for its innovative and effective programs, we have been providing women, children and men a place of safety, compassion and empowerment in Austin, Texas since 1974.”

Save Our Springs Alliance works “with local conservation groups to advocate for protection of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.”

The Arc of the Capital Area “is dedicated to providing personalized, community-based services that improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers.”

Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas “helps low-income clients access the civil justice system by providing volunteer attorneys who donate free legal advice and representation, and by supporting and training those attorneys.”

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs is “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”