The Ultimate Guide To Where To Donate, Volunteer, and Give Back in Austin

Addie Gross Holidays

If you are looking to deepen your holiday experience this year with helping our community, this is the place! We have rounded up all of the best ways to donate, volunteer, and give back in Austin for the holidays.

Dell Children’s Toy Drive

Fairmont Austin is thrilled to be hosting a festive toy drive in support of DELL CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY VILLAGE. Guests are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys that can be dropped off at our donation boxes in the hotel lobby from November 20 – December 16. Examples of suggested donations can be found HERE.

Space Hunger

Our initiative allows children (up to 18 years old) to request specific gifts (up to $40 in value), which we purchase through an Amazon Wishlist. Once the wishlist closes on December 10th, we personally wrap and deliver each gift to ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas. This year we have 260 kids who signed up!

Austin Allies

The Austin Allies Annual Holiday Helpers Party is Saturday, December 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Austin Allies South office (9400 Alice Mae Ln in the AGE building – MAP), 2nd Floor. This free, come-and-go holiday celebration brings our community together to collect and wrap donated items for our nonprofit partners, take photos with Santa, raise a little money to support our mission, and kick off the holiday season in style!

Cookies For Caring

In 1969 volunteers organized a bake sale to save the hotel from demolition, and because of their efforts, the hotel is still standing today. Cookies for Caring continues the tradition of The Driskill’s beloved baked sales, and raises funds for the Austin American-Statesman’s Season for Caring. Pickup will be available at The Driskill Tree Lighting on December 6th from 5:30-7:30PM with proof of purchase.

Blue Santa

The mission of the Austin Police Operation Blue Santa is to provide toys and food for families in need during the holiday season. You can help by dropping off toys, donating, adopting a family, volunteering your time, and more.

Brown Santa

Williamson County’s Brown Santa program provides assistance to Williamson County families in need during the Holiday season.

SAFE serves more than 1,000 youth, adults, and families during the Holiday season. In order to grant thousands of wishes, they need your help!

Generation Serve

One of the few places in town that allows children to volunteer. Families with children as young as 3 years old volunteer together at family service activities. Register on their website and check their calendar for volunteering opportunities.

Coats For Kids

The Junior League of Austin (JLA) will hold the 38th annual Coats for Kids Distribution December 2-11, 2024. The Junior League of Austin aims to provide warm winter coats to Central Texas children in need. Donate gently used coats to any Jack Brown Cleaners, or donate $20 to purchase a new coat. If you’d prefer to volunteer your time, go here.

IKEA Round Rock Toy Drive

Now through Dec 16, IKEA Round Rock is collecting new and unused toys for Holiday Wishes a non-profit dedicated to providing foster children with a toy for the holidays. Look for the donation house near the community wall near the store entrance.