The holidays are just around the corner, and while these months can bring great joy for many, they can also bring hardship to others. Whether it be putting food on the table, gift-giving, or having a warm set of clothes, there are many different stressors during this time of year.
Below is a non-exhaustive list with some great organizations helping our community. These organizations have a variety of ways to contribute (non-monetary/physical items, monetary donations, or volunteer time), so you are able to choose an option that is most fulfilling.
Food Donations
With the cost of living on the rise, families and individuals can find themselves struggling with consistent access to food. Check out the organizations below dedicated to curtailing hunger in Central Texas.
Central Texas Food Bank
What do they do? Fight hunger with food banks, mobile pantries, educational programs, and more.
What's needed: Monetary donations are best if donating less than 1000lbs of food. Volunteers are always appreciated.
UT Outpost
What do they do? Provide nutritious food for students so that they can focus on their education.
What's needed: Monetary donations make the greatest immediate impact, non-perishable foods.
Clothing Donations
Even though Texas winters aren’t particularly brutal, there is still a demand for outerwear and clothing items this season. Get ahead on your spring cleaning with a full closet cleanout. For items in good condition, consider donating to one of the below organizations that help keep Austin warm.
Austin Pets Alive! Thrift
What do they do? Receive clothing donations, resell at a thrift rate, and use the profits as a contribution to the Austin Pets Alive shelter program.
What's needed: New and gently used clothing items and accessories.
SAFE Austin
What do they do? Serve the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence.
What's needed: Monetary donations, new undergarments, in-season clothing/shoes for adults and kids, and a variety of other household necessities.
Dress for Success Austin
What do they do? A nonprofit dedicated to guiding women through career building.
What's needed: Professional clothes, accessories, toiletries, cosmetics, monetary donations.
Gifting Donations
When essentials are hard to come by, it can be even hard to prioritize non-essentials such as gifts for winter holidays. Below are some gift drives that ensure gifts for adults and children in the area.
Operation Santa
What do they do? Children can write letters to Santa via USPS and receive anonymous gifts by Christmas.
What's needed: Anonymous adopters to fulfill wishlists.
Safe Austin: Holidays Program 2022
What do they do? Provide gifts and essentials for SAFE clients.
What's needed: Shop their Amazon or Target wish lists or give a monetary donation.
The Salvation Army (Austin Area Command): Angel Tree
What do they do? Provide gifts for children.
What's needed: Adopt an “angel” and shop their wish list.
For more organizations to support and partner with, check out VolunteerMatch.
