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Where to volunteer in Austin, TX for the 2021 holiday

An image of homes, a walkway and chairs at the community First village in East Austin.

The Community First! Village supplies people experiencing homelessness with permanent homes. | Photo via @austinjosephmiller

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Maybe you already give back year-round, or maybe practicing thankfulness this holiday season has put you in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Austin to volunteer for.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a passionate environmentalist, or a mental health advocate, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 11 Austin organizations to show a little love to this Giving Tuesday:

🐶 If you’re an animal lover

Austin Animal Center | Help the center care for 18,000+ animals each year by finding adopters for pets, exercising and showing love to the pets, or taking some home to foster.

Austin Pets Alive! | This no-kill shelter is the largest in the country, and supports a wide range of pets.

A dog from Austin Animal Center smiles up at the camera

Phife has spent more than 300 days at the shelter, despite being under 2 years old. Help Phife and others like him find permanent homes at the Austin Animal Center. | Photo via @austinanimalcenter

🌳 If you’re an outdoorsy type

Keep Austin Beautiful | Regular events oriented toward cleaning and beautifying the community are hosted by this nonprofit organization

The Trail Foundation | Play a part in ecological restoration by removing invasive plants, collecting seeds, mulching, and more.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Volunteers can choose to work in the gardens, natural areas, with youth or as a docent at this center.

❤️ If you want to help those experiencing homelessness

Caritas of Austin | Get involved by putting together hygiene care kits, helping with deliveries and pick-ups, and serving lunch in the community kitchen.

Community First! | This organization providing affordable, permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness hosts several volunteer opportunities each month.

🏳️‍🌈 If you’re passionate about supporting local minority groups

Casa Marianella | Serve displaced immigrants by driving residents, sorting donations, and delivering food.

Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation | Help organize the annual Austin PRIDE celebration.

💚 If you’re a mental health advocate

Austin Child Guidance Center | Put your skills toward helping families + children in need of mental health services.

Integral Care | Volunteers help with registration, presentations, and community outreach at this center focused on helping people suffering from mental illness + substance use disorder.

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