There’s something to be said for Austin’s tight-knit community. Even as the city grows at a break-neck pace, Austin can have a small-town feel as our residents continue to look out for each other, and there are so many wonderful ways to give back for Thanksgiving this November.
Central Texas Food Bank
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
Generation Serve will host a “volunteer fair” on Family Volunteer Day at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Bring your kids and learn about the community’s needs while working on smaller projects. Each family will receive a Holiday Giving Guide with ways to give-back through the end of the year.
Austin Empty Bowl
Enjoy live music and lunch from a hand-crafted bowl, which you can take home after the event as a reminder that others’ bowls may be empty. Entry is $25 and donations go to children’s hunger programs.
Thundercloud Subs’ Turkey Trot
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. Volunteer opportunities span November 23-28.
HEB Feast of Sharing
900 Barton Springs Rd | November 20, 4-8p
The HEB Feast of Sharing is the largest community Thanksgiving meal in Austin—an average of 3,000 pounds of turkey is served each year at the event. In addition to a yummy meal, attendees will be able to enjoy music, crafts, kids activities, and a visit from Santa himself, all while working to fight hunger.
Operation Turkey
Come together with the Austin community on Thanksgiving day to feed hungry Austinites, hand out care packages, and share clothing donations. 60,000 meals were given to the homeless and less fortunate across the nation by Operation Turkey in 2018, but their 2019 giving goal is 75,000 meals.
Meals on Wheels
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.
Are you attending one of the fundraisers or volunteer events mentioned above? Show us why you’re thankful for our beautiful city on social media using #MOREatx.
