Support Us Button Widget

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

Table of Contents

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.

More from ATXtoday
Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.
The two-day music festival will bring Christina Aguilera and Calvin Harris as headliners.
The 3D printing construction company will allow builders to utilize its technology and services including its design catalog starting as early as 2027.
SXSW has fun in store for everyone, whether or not you have a badge this year.
Maximize your Rodeo Austin experience with these insider tips.
Texas Performing Arts is raising the curtain with 11 shows, including premieres like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and returning favorites like “Beetlejuice.”
The clocks will “spring forward” this weekend, allowing Austinites to make the most of their evenings.
It’s the SXS-Best time of year in Austin, and SXSW 2026 is going to look a bit different this time around, so buckle in and let us help you plan.
Diablo Hot Chicken will start as a food truck serving the beloved Nashville dish, incorporating Mexican chile into the recipe.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.