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That’s what the holiday season is, after all, isn’t it? A season of giving back. Here are a few ways to spread holiday cheer through donations and volunteer opportunities in Austin.
I Live Here I Give Here
Austin-based nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here (ILHIGH) will be serving for the sixth year as the official Community Leader in the Central Texas region for GivingTuesday, an annual day of giving taking place the Tuesday immediately following Thanksgiving, on November 29, 2022.
This year, ILHIGH is partnering with Good Work Austin to elevate small business support and GivingTuesday awareness. From Saturday, November 26 to Friday, December 2, when you dine or drink at one of the dozens of partnering small businesses, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to Good Work Austin and I Live Here I Give Here. These funds will support efforts to increase local community giving and feed local families.
The following business will be participating in this year’s GivingTuesday initiative:
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Barrett’s Coffee
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Bento Picnic
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Black Star Co-op
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Brentwood Social House
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Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs
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Chez Zee
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Dai Due
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Eldorado Cafe
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Epoch Coffee
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Flitch Coffee
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Greater Goods Coffee
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Hillside Farmacy
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House Wine
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L’Oca d’Oro
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Little Ola’s Biscuits
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Little Wu
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Maie Day
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Olamaie
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Patika
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Southern Soul Bowl
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Swift’s Attic
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Taterque
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The Cavalier
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Tso Chinese
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West Pecan Coffee + Beer
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Wu Chow
Donors who use the AmplifyATX.org platform to donate to their favorite nonprofits on GivingTuesday can make an optional extra contribution to the I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Fund in the donation cart before checkout, or can visit the fund page to contribute directly, as the fund is now open. The ILHIGH Amplify Fund energizes donors and nonprofits on Amplify Austin Day in early March (March 1-2, 2023), and is the source of critical matching dollars shared across all participating organizations.
Those interested in joining I Live Here I Give Here’s Central Texas GivingTuesday efforts can visit ILiveHereIGiveHere.org/
Central Texas Food Bank
During the holiday season, it’s important to remember that not everyone has access to a home-cooked meal. Central Texas Food Bank nourishes local communities in the fight against hunger, and has several volunteer opportunities in Austin with needs in the warehouse, mobile food pantry, kitchen, offices, and garden.
Meals on Wheels
Remember the homebound this holiday season and volunteer to spread holiday cheer with Meals on Wheels. Their life-sustaining programs help support the lives of 5,000 Central Texas seniors, and your time and generous donations are needed!
SAFE Holidays
SAFE | Holiday Giving Programs supports a secure environment for over 1,000 youth, adults, and families. Every holiday season, they ask their clients what they’d like for Christmas, and they need your help to grant those wishes! Sign up for a wish list and a SAFE team member will pair you with someone in need.
Brown Santa
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office’s Brown Santa program is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides much-needed food and gifts to Travis County families in need during the holiday season. One of the kindest volunteer opportunities in Austin, volunteers meet in a warehouse and pack giant barrels full of essential items. This community event is supported by the community, for the community.
Coats for Kids
The 35th annual Coats for Kids Drive & Distribution aims to provide over 30,000 winter coats to kids who need them in Central Texas. This is one of those volunteer opportunities that doesn’t take much of your time—just drop off your gently used coats at your local Jack Brown Cleaners between December 1–10, 2022, or donate $20 to buy a kid in need a new coat.
Orange Santa
The university community is strong in Central Texas—every year, The Orange Santa Holiday Virtual Fundraiser supports almost 500 families and over 1,000 children with a connection to UT. Donations will support the purchase of gifts, toys, and meals for participating families. Orange Santa partners with the Hispanic Faculty and Staff Association (HFSA) in promoting the John Treviño Jr. Holiday Assistance Program, which gives an essential holiday meal alongside necessary assistance.