7 Ways to Give Back in Austin for Thanksgiving
There's so much to be thankful for in Austin, especially the strong sense of community that unites the city. What better way to show your love for our community than giving back this Thanksgiving? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Austin year round, but these Thanksgiving volunteer events will put you in the holiday spirit and give you something to be grateful for.
Central Texas Food Bank
6500 Metropolis Dr | Dates and times vary | Website
Food needs for families increase over the holidays, and the Central Texas Food Bank needs volunteers to help sort food donations to distribute across Central Texas. Shifts are usually 2.5-3 hours long and can host up to 120 volunteers with limited space for youth (ages 8 and up).
Generation Serve Family Volunteer Day
1156 Hargrave St | November 17 | Website
For the second year in a row, Generation Serve will host a give-back day at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Bring the kids and enjoy learning about the community’s needs while working on simple projects.
Austin Empty Bowl
6500 Metropolis Dr | November 19, 11a - 3p | Website
Enjoy live music and lunch from a hand-crafted bowl, which you can take home after the event as a reminder that others have empty bowls. Entry is $20 and donations go to children’s hunger programs. Shifts are two or more hours and volunteers must be 16 or older.
Thundercloud Subs’ Turkey Trot
701 W Riverside Dr | November 22, 8:45am | Website
An Austin Thanksgiving isn’t complete without this turkey trot! Proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, an organization dedicated to helping local refugees, low-income and homeless individuals reach their full potential in the community by giving them access to healthy groceries, job opportunities and more.
HEB Feast of Sharing
900 Barton Springs Rd | November 20, 3 - 9p | Website
The HEB Feast of Sharing is the largest community Thanksgiving meal in Austin—14,000 meals will be provided to Austinites in need. In addition to a yummy meal, attendees will be able to enjoy music crafts, kids activities, and a visit from Santa himself.
Operation Turkey
4315 Guadalupe St #300 | November 21-22 | Website
Come together with the Austin community on or before Thanksgiving day to feed hungry Austinites or make a monetary donation. 40,000 meals were given to the homeless and less fortunate across the nation by Operation Turkey in 2016, but their 2018 giving goal is 75,000 meals.
Meals on Wheels
3227 E 5th St | November 22 | Website
Meals on Wheels helps homebound Austinites receive one hot meal per day during the week and offers the option to receive supplemental frozen meals for the weekend. Sign up to volunteer with the organization and deliver hot meals, hope, and good company to disabled and/or elderly individuals throughout the community this Thanksgiving.
