WHERE TO GIVE BACK IN AUSTIN THIS THANKSGIVING

There's so much to be thankful for in Austin, especially the strong sense of community that unites us all! What better way to show your love for this beautiful city than stepping out into the community and giving back this Thanksgiving? There are plenty of Austin volunteer opportunities year-round, but these Thanksgiving volunteer events will put you in the holiday spirit and give you something to be grateful for.

Keep Austin Thankful Photo Contest

Now - December 1

For every photo submitted to the Keep Austin Thankful Photo Contest, Howdy Honda will donate $5 (up to $5,000) to Upbring, a nonprofit striving to break the cycle of child abuse in Texas. United Heritage Charity Foundation will match the total donation, meaning each photo will raise $10! Take a photo with your family of something you love about Austin, and either email it to [email protected] or post to Instagram using hashtags #KeepAustinThankful #Do512Family #HowdyHonda. Be sure to include these three things when submitting by email:

First and last name of adult submitting a photo

Name of photographer (and age, if minor)

Email & phone number

A maximum of 2 photos per family can be submitted, and the deadline to submit photos is Friday, December 1.

Learn More

Generation SERVE Family Volunteer Day

November 18 (Shifts available 10:30a - 4:30p)

Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex | 1156 Hargrave St

Generation SERVE's Family Volunteer Day is a national day of service celebrating families who come together to give back to their neighborhoods and communities. Guardians and their children will be able to learn about their community's needs and sample service projects that fall into a variety of categories like poverty and homelessness, supporting seniors, and education. Each attendee will receive a Holiday Resource Guide with a full list of ways to give back during the 2017 holiday season.

Turkey Trot

November 18-23

The Long Center | 701 W Riverside Dr

With nearly 20,000 participants, this five-mile race is one of the largest Turkey Trots in the nation! All proceeds from the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot are donated to 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, jobs with a reliable living wage, and educational opportunities to learn valuable life skills. Register to walk or run on November 23 or sign up to volunteer at packet pick up in the days leading up to the event.

Austin Empty Bowl

November 19 (11a - 3p)

Central Texas Food Bank | 6500 Metropolis Dr

The Austin Empty Bowl Project is a yearly fundraiser held by Austin area potters in an effort to fight hunger in the community. 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. It is $20 to attend the event, and donations go to Kids Café, a program created by the Central Texas Food Bank, and Meals 4 Kids, a program of Meal on Wheels Central Texas.

No registration required to attend Austin Empty Bowl | Register for the Empty Bowl Preview Party

HEB Feast of Sharing

November 21 (Shifts available 3 - 6:30p and 6 - 9p)

Palmer Events Center | 900 Barton Springs Rd

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.

Volunteer spots are currently full, but you can continue to check back here

Operation Turkey

November 22-23

4315 Guadalupe St #300

40,000 meals were given to the homeless and less fortunate across the nation by Operation Turkey in 2016, but their 2017 giving goal is 50,000 meals. Come together with the Austin community on or before Thanksgiving day to feed hungry Austinites. Volunteer jobs range from cooking and plating food to delivering meals and cleaning. Any help you can offer to Operation Turkey is appreciated, and children are welcome to volunteer with a guardian.

Gobble Gobble Give

November 23

Bentley and Leenher Mortgage (Parking Lot) | 5307 Hwy 290 W.

Volunteers will come together with Gobble Gobble Give on Thanksgiving morning to gather dry goods, box warm food, and walk the streets of the city to hand out care packages to homeless individuals and families. Each volunteer is asked to bring a dish of food, five small toiletry kits, and any new or gently used outerwear or blankets for men, women, and children.

RSVP to Volunteer | Make a Donation

Meals on Wheels

November 23

Meals on Wheels | 3227 E 5th St

Meals on Wheels helps home-bound 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. The first steps to become a volunteer include an application and volunteer training, held at 12:15p each Thursday at 3227 E. 5th St or by appointment. Training lasts 1-1.5 hours.

How are you volunteering this holiday season? We would love to learn more about what causes you're passionate about. Head over to the Moreland Properties Facebook page or mention @morelandprops on Twitter to let us know!