Maybe it’s time spent with family. Maybe it’s an awareness of our many blessings. Perhaps it’s simply the spirit of the season. Whatever the reasons, the holidays are a time of giving.
This is especially true in the city of Austin, where there is no shortage of ways to lend a hand to the less fortunate in our community. Below is a list of a few well known and not so well known holiday charities and some specific ways you can help them.
Whether you volunteer your time or other resources, how will you give this holiday season?
AIDS Services of Austin
Mission: to respond to the HIV needs of the Austin area by providing services that enhance the health and well-being of individuals and the community in the face of an evolving epidemic.
- Purchase an ASA holiday card
- Attend the Red Ribbon dinner at Zoot
- Financial contribution
- Visit with AIDS patients
- Office/clerical assistance
- Food donation or assistance
- Assist at community fairs
Austin Humane Society
Mission: the city’s largest no kill, non-profit animal adoption shelter dedicated to saving Austin’s homeless cats and dogs by educating our community about responsible pet ownership and reducing pet overpopulation.
- Take care animals
- Office/clerical assistance
- Financial contribution
- Adopt a pet
El Buen Samaritano
Mission: to transform lives by engaging the strengths of working-poor Hispanic families to promote their successful participation in society.
- Financial Contribution
- Daycare center (newborn to 5 years)
- Teach ESL or computer classes to older children and adults
- Office/clerical assistance
- Food donation or assistance
- Professional Services (ex. psychiatric or medical assistance)
Make a Wish Foundation
Mission: to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
- Financial contribution
- Office/clerical assistance- translators, clerical work, professional help
- Donate Items- building supplies, computer equipment, hot tubs, frequent flyer miles, shopping sprees, and more
Austin Groups for the Elderly
Mission: to empower caregivers, the elderly and their families through education, advocacy, resources and support.
- Financial contribution- monthly support, scholarship, purchase a brick for their Legacy Walkway
- Donate Items- Wii controllers and games, medical equipment (wheel chairs, scooters, etc.), digital photo or video camera
- Teach seniors how to play video games
- Give a musical or theatric performance
- Office/clerical assistance
- Building Maintenance
- Help with Special Events
- Food donation or assistance
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My cousin would fall in love this post. We were just talking about this. lol
Thanks for making the effort to describe the terminology to the beginners!