There are a variety of volunteer opportunities in Houston, Texas. Many charities in the area need administrative help and a variety of other skills. In order to operate and maintain their programs, many of these charities depend on the help of volunteers. If you are looking to give back to the community in a positive way, there are many great volunteer opportunities in Houston.
Friends of Texas Wildlife
If you’d like to volunteer for a worthy cause, consider joining Friends of Texas Wildlife in Houston. This nonprofit organization takes in injured and orphaned wildlife and rehabilitates them. They care for thousands of animals each year. Volunteers play a crucial role in the organization’s operations.
You can volunteer with Friends of Texas Wildlife on a flexible schedule. Volunteer orientations are held once every six weeks to help you decide on the best ways to help. Most positions involve providing round-the-clock care for the animals, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild when they’re ready.
Volunteers at this animal shelter help feed the animals and keep the cages clean. You can also help with fundraising and animal placement. Likewise, the Houston Humane Society welcomes volunteers, and the Houston SPCA offers a volunteer program at its Wildlife Center to help protect native wildlife. The Friends For Life Animal Shelter & Sanctuary is another good place to volunteer.
Houston Food Bank
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Houston Food Bank. Volunteer shifts range from sorting and packaging food boxes to helping at drive-thru pantries and mobile pantries. Other opportunities include delivering meals to shelters and collecting food left in fields after harvest. Volunteers can also join fundraising efforts to help raise money for the food bank.
Volunteers at the Houston Food Bank can also help with the organization’s education program, which provides school supplies to teachers in low-income neighborhoods. Weekday volunteers may help stock shelves and prepare for teacher pick-ups, while weekend volunteers may help check customers in and help with shopping. They can also become ambassadors of the organization by sharing posts on social media and spreading the word about the organization.
Houston Food Bank volunteers may participate in various projects, including sorting and packing food, assisting clients with their food selection, and sanitizing the kitchen. Teens and high school students may also become part of the Apple Corps, a dedicated group of volunteers who lead the food bank’s programs. They may also help out at neighborhood food fairs, elementary schools, and special events.
Houston Public Library
If you’d like to get involved with the Houston Public Library, there are several volunteer opportunities available. Volunteers can help out at the Houston Public Library’s branch locations, which range from downtown to the neighborhoods. Volunteers are responsible for a variety of tasks and must complete a volunteer application. HCPL also offers many free educational programs that can be a great way to learn new things and improve your skills.
Whether you’re an art or history enthusiast, volunteering at the Houston Public Library can be a rewarding experience. Volunteers are needed to assist with various activities, from film screenings to educational programs. Those interested in the cultural arts should consider becoming a docent. In addition, volunteers can help with special events and assist with special projects.
If you’re interested in working with children, the Houston Public Library offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for children, teens, and adults. These opportunities are flexible and can be matched with your interests and time commitment. Volunteers can search by age, zip code, or interest groups.
Houston Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers can contribute to the construction of new homes for low-income Houstonians. They can also assist with maintenance and financial training. Volunteers may also help in the ReStore. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have some experience working with power tools. Volunteers may help with a variety of tasks, from interior demolition to painting and landscaping.
Volunteers can choose the type of work they want to do and sign up online. The organization welcomes individual and group volunteers. Volunteers help Houston families build their own safe homes. They are provided with tools, training, and supplies. They may also need to bring a boxed lunch or a buffet service.
Houston Habitat for Humanity works to build affordable homes for low-income families. Through volunteers, donations, and donated materials, Habitat creates new homes, renovates old ones, and offers affordable mortgages to disadvantaged Houston residents. The nonprofit also helps rebuild homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. The organization’s mission is to help people become financially independent and build strong communities.
Houston Methodist Hospital
Volunteering at Houston Methodist Hospital is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive impact on your community while developing new skills and gaining experience. Volunteers are essential in providing essential services to patients and can help with a variety of projects. There are a variety of opportunities to choose from, including administrative office work, arts, human resources, and more. You can also participate in patient visitation and special events.
As a volunteer at Houston Methodist Hospital, you can serve patients and visitors in a caring and courteous manner. Your duties could range from greeting families and operating the cash register to stocking shelves and gift wrapping. You could also share your artistic skills by creating portraits of patients. If you’re not artistically inclined, you can spend time with patients and staff by visiting their rooms and providing comfort and encouragement.
Many of these volunteer positions are open to the public, so anyone can participate in them. High school students are encouraged to apply for summer volunteer programs, while college students and working professionals may apply for general volunteering positions. To find out if you’re eligible, be sure to read the volunteer requirements carefully.
Houston Arboretum
If you are interested in learning more about the Houston Arboretum and its volunteer opportunities, you have come to the right place. The Arboretum is a 155-acre non-profit nature sanctuary that protects native plants and animals within the city core. Its mission is to educate people about nature while providing a unique and beautiful setting.
There are many ways to volunteer at the Arboretum, including maintaining the trail, teaching children about plant and animal life, or guiding visitors through its trails. It also has a Discovery Room, Nature Shop, and Conservation Center. In addition, a state-of-the-art Nature Playscape is planned to open in 2020.
As a School Docent, you will lead small groups of children on guided tours for two hours. These tours will highlight the vibrant plant collections and rich history of the region. Volunteers must be energetic and enjoy working with children. A background in botany or history is not required. In addition to orientation sessions held once a week, School Docents will receive additional training at the Arboretum through Meet the Arboretum.
