Want to help? Houston organizations are looking for volunteers.
Houston-area nonprofits seek volunteers
AIDS Foundation Houston
Current volunteer opportunities include Dining out for Life ambassadors, Dining Out for Life hosts and Camp Hope counselors. Details: 6260 Westpark, Suite 100; aidshelp.org.
All Hands Volunteers
Volunteers assist with longterm needs of communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Each team is supervised by a trained team leader; no volunteers younger than 16. Those younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Details: allhandsandhearts.org.
Bering Open Gate Homeless Ministries
Volunteers meet 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sundays to help with signins, watch and entertain children and distribute hygiene products and clothing to the homeless. Details: 1440 Harold; beringopengate.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Community-based program matches Houston’s youth who desire an adult friend with nearby volunteer mentors. Details: Raul Garcia,713-271-2783 or rgarcia@bbbstx.org. 1003 Washington.
Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon
The marathon has 100 Hoopla stations every year, manned by cheer groups, bands, belly dancers and other entertainers. Organizers are on the lookout for new groups who would like to be a part of Race Weekend.
Details: chevronhoustonmarathon.com/race-weekend/ hoopla.
Czech Center Museum
Volunteer opportunities include becoming a Czech Center Museum docent, art projects and social-media help. No previous experience required, just a passion for history, art and interest in meeting international and local visitors.
Details: 4920 San Jacinto; czechcenter.org.
Friends for Life Animal Shelter
Opportunities include pet adoption counselors, behavior helpers, dog and cat caretakers, administrative assistants and volunteers who can educate the public about spay and neuter through the Fix Houston program. Volunteers at the no-kill shelter must be at least 16 years old and attend orientation and training. Details: 107 E. 22nd; friends4life.org.
Friends of Down Syndrome
Zumba instructors are needed 1-2 p.m. Thursdays for special-needs adult fitness classes. Details: Email Tina Roquemore at president@friendsof downsyndrome.org. 5200 Mitchelldale, Suite D4.
Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers are needed to assist in building affordable housing alongside Habitat’s construction staff. Builds are scheduled 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers must be 16 or older to work on the build site, and must be at least 18 to use power tools and work on roofs. Building experience is not necessary; the staff will instruct. Current building projects are in Harrel Park, located in northeast Houston. Details: 3750 N. McCarty; houstonhabitat.org.
Hermann Park Conservancy
Volunteer needs include Japanese Garden maintenance and gardening, McGovern Centennial Gardens’ ambassadors and event support for Evening in the Park, Hats in the Park, the Kite Festival, Park to Port Bike Ride and Run in the Park.
Details: hermannpark.org.
Houston Food Bank
Volunteer projects include inspecting and sorting food, repacking, stocking, cleaning, meal prepping. Details: 535 Portwall; houstonfoodbank.org.
Houston Pets Alive!
HPA needs help daily at its no-kill shelter location walking dogs, feeding kittens and assisting adopters with the application process. There are volunteer opportunities at the shelter on weekdays and at adoption events on weekends. Details: 8620 Stella Link; email info@HoustonPetsAlive.org or visit HoustonPetsAlive.org.
Plant Texas Natives
Staff and volunteers will assist with planting native plants and sowing seeds to help restore the habitats of Jones Park on Dec. 15. Must wear closed-toe shoes. Details: Email Kim Hammond at khammond@hcp4.net or visit hcp4.net/Community/Parks/ Jones/Volunteers.
Rebuilding Together Houston
Volunteers build in teams to complete external repairs for homeowners in need. Other teams help neighbors with accessibility by building ramps or making interior updates and modifications to help homeowners avoid falls and fires, and improve air quality. Details: 104 N. Greenwood, Suite 100; rebuildinghouston.org.
Recovery Houston
Volunteers work with project managers Tuesdays and Fridays to offer rebuilding assistance to homeowners impacted by Harvey. Work ranges from house prep, floating drywall, skimming and painting. Children older than 12 are welcome with a parent on build sites. Details: 4560 W.34th, Suite C; recoveryhouston.org.
Ronald McDonald House
Volunteers age 18 and older are needed to work in the Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Memorial Hermann and support families whose children are being treated in the intensive care areas of the hospital. Details: 6411 Fannin; rmhhouston.org/for-families/ childrens-memorial-hermannhouse.
Target Hunger
Volunteers help distribute food in the community, duties include unloading vans, sorting incoming donations and building food boxes and bags. Must be able to lift 25-35 pounds repeatedly. Details: 2814 Quitman; targethunger.org.
The Lighthouse of Houston
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are required to complete an application and orientation. Some activities, such as home visitors, require a weekly commitment; special events are as flexible. In addition to working with individual volunteers, The Lighthouse works with schools, churches and community groups. Details: 3602 W. Dallas; Contact Kristina Derrick at 713-284-8473 or kderrick@ houstonlighthouse.
Trees of Houston
Volunteers help plant trees, work community outreach events and educate the community about trees. Details: treesforhouston.org.
United Way Day of Caring
Volunteers deliver meals to home-bound seniors, host field days for children, paint and make repairs, plant trees and ready gardens for planting.
Details: 50 Waugh; email Emily Faron at efaron@united wayhouston.org or visit unitedwayhouston.org
Westbury Community Garden Service Day
Volunteers work alongside church groups, neighbors, Scouts and school groups in various gardening, building and maintenance projects. Monthly work days are scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-noon on the fourth Saturday of each month. Details: 12581 Dunlap; westbury communitygarden.org.