The greatest gift you can give a charity this holiday season is not a donation. It is the gift of time. Spending a few hours volunteering with a local non-profit organization helps the less fortunate, builds community and is rewarding for you. We are proud to say that many Bryson residents selflessly donate their time to their favorite causes year-round. If you are looking to make a difference, here are some local organizations that could use your help.
Hill Country Community Ministries
Serving southwest Williamson and northwest Travis counties, this coalition of churches provides food, clothing and other assistance for people in crisis and those living in poverty. Volunteers are needed to work in the food pantry and thrift store as well as pick up day-old bread from grocery stores. They are also in need of caseworkers, maintenance people and truck drivers. Find out more here.
Responding to the Biblical call to help others, the non-profit operates a food pantry, thrift store and community garden. Financial assistance is also available. You can volunteer to sort food and clothing donations and work in the garden. Apply here.
Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties
Administering a wide range of programs to help those in need, OWBC operates a Head Start program for children, Meals on Wheels for seniors and other services. The organization is currently in need of people to help in Head Start classrooms and drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. To get involved, fill out a volunteer application.
Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation
LEEF provides additional resources to support innovation, enrichment and equity in pursuit of academic excellence within LISD. Volunteers are needed to host book drives, serve at fundraising events, become ambassadors for the program at schools and serve on the LEEF Board.
If you love nature, you may be the perfect volunteer for this 715-acre Leander wildlife preserve. Volunteers are needed to maintain trails, clear invasive plants and more. Email volunteer@travisaudubon.org to find out how you can help.
Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas
Horse lovers can help rehabilitate neglected horses. Once healthy, many horses become lesson horses for their sister program — Hearts Therapeutic Riding. Volunteers are needed to help care for horses, maintain the property and assist children with riding.
Texas Humane Heroes is a no-kill shelter that works to keep animals from being euthanized and find forever homes for them. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, socialize cats, provide veterinary services, community outreach, and more. Foster fur parents are also needed. Find out how to volunteer here.