Between all of the parties, festivals, and get-togethers with friends and family, the holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year. For many, though, the holidays can also be a time of increased stress trying to make ends meet.
Spreading some goodwill is one of the best things a person can do, and thankfully, there are plenty of ways to give back in the Dripping Springs area this season.
Mission Accomplished: Serving the greater Austin area, this nonprofit’s mission is helping individuals and families get back on their feet by providing laundry services, care packages, and connections to stable housing. There are weekly volunteer opportunities; you can even help provide a Thanksgiving food basket for a local family.
Helping Hands: This local organization has been serving the Dripping Springs area since 1986 by providing food to those in need. It’s a 100% volunteer-driven organization, and there are always opportunities to help out. Groups or individuals can help package and distribute food as well as host a canned food drive. There are also seasonal ways to lend a hand through the Empty Bowls campaign and the Project Elf toy drive.
Project Connect: The goal of Project Connect is all about helping individuals in need connect with the right organizations that can offer help. The needs addressed can range from help with creating a resume for job seekers to building a wheelchair ramp or providing food assistance. And because the range of help needed is so great, Project Connect is always looking for Dripping Springs businesses it can connect with and volunteers willing to donate their time.
The Angel Tree Program: For over 40 years, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree adoption program has been helping low-income families provide presents for their children each Christmas. Serving over 11,000 children each December is a daunting task that couldn’t happen without the generosity of volunteers. Whether it’s shopping for a child’s wish list or helping to sort gifts at the South Austin warehouse, there are numerous ways to give back and brighten a child’s Christmas.
PAWS Shelter: Let’s not forget that humans aren’t the only ones in need of a little extra help during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a way to give back to the four-legged residents of Dripping Springs, PAWS is always in need of volunteers. Individuals and groups who volunteer their time are essential in helping the residents of PAWS get adopted out to forever homes. Volunteers need to be over the age of 12, and there are a range of ways to help out, from fostering to walking dogs or cleaning out kennels.
Christmas on Mercer: Some volunteer opportunities are merely about ensuring that members of the community have a fun and safe time at local events. Christmas on Mercer is one of the most popular events of the year, but it couldn’t happen without the dedication of volunteers. The fun happens on Saturday, December 2, and volunteers will be given a free t-shirt celebrating the event for helping out.
One of the things that makes Dripping Springs such a fantastic place to live is the generosity of the residents who call the city home. If you’d like to learn more about Dripping Springs and find a home in the Caliterra community, contact us today.
