One thing I love about Houston is for as long as I’ve been here, the people have been pleasant and helpful and that’s such a needed vibe in our current state of the world at large. So it got me thinking, how could I be more giving and could I get into some volunteer work with my son? At the moment, I just volunteer with his school’s Parent Teacher Organization, but what else? We can always do more. So I did some digging and selected the types of causes that could work well specifically for family volunteering.
When I searched “Volunteer Day”, the internet kinda’ did me wrong with the date. Turns out National Volunteer Day was a couple of weeks ago according to one source, other sources will say International Volunteer Day is in December and then there's National Volunteer Month and Week taking place in April; But it’s never too late, or too early, and always a good time to be of service. We gotta teach these kids early to care about their neighbor, care about their environment and everything else in between.
Community/Environment
Monthly Volunteer Workday
Houstonians ages 9 and up are invited to join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for community-wide volunteer days at Buffalo Bayou Park happening the 3rd Saturday of each month.
Volunteers will help with a variety of tasks, including but not limited to trash pick-up, mulching, and weed removal. It is requested all volunteers bring their own work gloves. All other necessary work tools will be provided by BBP.
Be sure to register and sign waivers on the website before the event HERE
Their mission is to engage children in volunteerism and empower them to make a difference in their communities.
The vision is generations of youth who develop into community-minded leaders
Family Volunteer opportunities available where kids learn about community needs and how they can make a difference through action - helping side-by-side with a parent or caregiver and witnessing the example of community service first-hand.
You can get started first by completing a waiver HERE for your family. You will then receive an email that will allow you to create your password for their Activity Calendar. You can then visit the Activity Calendar any time, login, and sign up for volunteer opportunities that work for you and your families schedule.
Family grief support groups at Bo’s Place begin with a shared meal or snack. Hospitality Volunteers help create a warm environment for our families by greeting them as they arrive and arranging food and service items for the meal. Following the meal, volunteers prepare leftover food and tidy up the kitchen/dining room. Hospitality Volunteers complete an online application and background check. Upon approval, volunteers attend an in-person tour and training for their role. Hospitality Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (15 years old if accompanied by a legal guardian).
The mission of Urban Harvest is to be a catalyst in transforming food accessibility in Greater Houston. They aim to achieve this by fostering strong partnerships with local farmers and gardeners, operating vibrant Farmers Markets, initiating mobile markets, and providing comprehensive garden education.
Volunteers are invited to help stuff packets, prepare Grow Kits and to work in the gardens. Kids younger than 13 who want to volunteer can do so as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Participate in one of our seasonal beach cleanups and join thousands of other volunteers in keeping Texas beaches clean and pristine. Twice a year cleanups take place and it’s a good reason to head to the coastline with the family in tow. Next cleanup takes place on 9/28!
The conservancy aims to restore, preserve, and enhance the park, an ongoing task that requires the help of able-bodied volunteers. Volunteers are invited to assist in beautification projects, including removing invasive plant species, clearing trails, collecting seeds, and more. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult to partake in family volunteer opportunities.
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PETS
There are many areas in which Pets Alive can utilize the help of volunteers. From Marketing and Fundraising to Dog Care, Cat Care, Behind the Scenes and more.
Volunteer applicants must be 18 years of age or older to complete the form. Applicants have the opportunity to include a minor in the application. Age requirements for each volunteer area are included in the descriptions provided.
Some volunteer opportunities are for 14 yr olds with a parent/guardian present to assist with dog care.
The Houston Humane Society is operating at 225% capacity and you have an opportunity to help! Kids as young as 10 yrs old may volunteer with a parent or guardian. Individuals 16 and up can volunteer independently. A volunteer application will be required, as well as, in person training. There are some minimal time requirements to volunteer.
HUNGER/HOMELESSNESS
The Houston Food Bank welcomes school and youth groups to help sort and package food while passing along the value of volunteerism to the younger generation.
- Minors must be at least 6 years old to volunteer in the Portwall Warehouse
- Minors must be 16 years old to volunteer in the Keegan Kitchen.
- We require at least 1 adult/chaperone per 5 volunteers 13 and under and 1 adult/chaperone per 10 volunteers 14 and up.
- Adults/chaperones are required to supervise minors at all times.
A non-profit serving Houston’s Homeless Community. Teens can help out with meal prep and serving, washing and folding clothes, and making clients feel welcome. Teen volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Shifts available Thursdays thru Mondays, 7:15am to 10am and 10am to 1pm
- Volunteers 18 and younger must volunteer with an adult. Minimum age to volunteer is 13.
Founded in 1983, in Houston, Texas, the Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) is an interfaith organization that collaborates to provide temporary assistance in the form of food pantry, clothing center, grocery program and other basic needs, with an emphasis on serving the working poor.
Volunteers do need to be at least 16 yrs old.
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CHILDREN
It takes hundreds of volunteers each week to prepare and pack thousands of meals. Volunteer shifts at Kids’ Meals are Monday-Friday 9am-12pm and 12:30-2:30pm. Kids ages 8 and above are welcome to volunteer! All children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Volunteers 12 and older may be assigned to work in the kitchen.
Volunteers 8 and older may be assigned to work in the packing.
There are three different food prep areas that volunteers 8 and older may be assigned to.
Undies for Everyone provides children living in poverty or crisis with new underwear, recognizing the importance of this small basic need as part of a child’s increased chances of long-term success.
Family volunteering for a two-hour shift in the air-conditioned UFE warehouse. Sorting, packing and placing stickers on endless pairs of undies that will end up in underwear drawers around the country. Each individual must register separately. Minors can use a parent's email address, required waivers must be signed.
IF YOU KNOW OF ANY GREAT ORGANIZATIONS YOUR FAMILY HAS VOLUNTEERED WITH THAT WE SHOULD ADD TO OUR GROWING LIST, PLEASE MESSAGE HERE
❗ Stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities being added and seasonal ones coming up!
⭐️ THE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON EDITION OF MACARONI KID IS PROUDLY PUBLISHED BY A LOCAL MOM WHO WORKS INDEPENDENTLY AND CURATES WEEKLY LOCAL FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES, SEARCHING FOR FAMILY FUN, FAMILY-FOCUSED BUSINESSES AND ANY ADVENTURES AROUND THE CITY! OUR FREE NEWSLETTERS AND CONTENT WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AND YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS MACARONI MOM BY SUBSCRIBING TODAY AND SHARING ⭐
