Thanksgiving 2011 Volunteer Opportunities

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to donate your time, services or goods to those who are in need. There are several opportunities for you to assist in making the holiday special for less-fortunate Houstonians. Volunteer duties range from meal delivery to entertaining the elderly. Below is a list of organizations and charities that are in need of volunteer efforts of the community.

Sheltering Arms/TXU Turkey Trot

Join thousands of participants Houston's largest Thanksgiving Day race benefitting Sheltering Arms Senior Services. The event kicks off at 7:55 a.m. with the wheelchair 10K and 5K races and wraps up with the Palais Royal kids run/walk at 9:15. Sheltering Arms is an organization that provides resources and assistance to Houston's elderly.

Dillard's Galleria
4925 Westheimer
713.956.1888

Waste Management Superfeast

Help feed 15 to 20 thousand of Houston's needy or homeless inhabitants outside of Houston City Hall, Tranquility Park and Walker Street. Sign up to set up, serve, clean up or distribute blankets and clothing. Dinner hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and each volunteer shift is 3 hours. Children are welcome and can work along side their parents.

400 Walker St.
713.516.3501

Thanksgiving Big Feast

Over 35,000 Houstonians are expected to be served this Thanksgiving at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event, which was originally intended only for the homeless, has now also opened its doors to those who are unable to be with family on Thanksgiving. Dinner will be served from 10 a.m. to 4:30 and will include turkey, dressing and all the accompanying staples.

George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenidas de las Americas
713.752.2582

Meals on Wheels

Interfaith Ministries will coordinate meal deliveries to the city's homebound elderly. Meals are retrieved at First Presbyterian Church and are distributed to homes all over Houston by generous volunteers. Meal pick-up begins at 10 a.m. and most volunteers have completed their assignment by early afternoon.

First Presbyterian Church
5300 Main St.
713.533.4948

Holiday Project Thanksgiving Visits
Volunteer Houston will coordinate visits to local nursing homes by volunteers of all ages. Choose either the Cy-Fair Houston location or central location in the Upper Kirby District as a meeting place. Visits will begin at 9:30 and last between 45 and 90 minutes.

Grace Care Center of Cypress
9602 Huffmeister
-or-
Volunteer Houston Offices
3015 Richmond, Suite 100
713.965.0031