Thanksgiving Special: Volunteer Opportunities

Houstonist will be taking Thanksgiving off, but that doesn't mean you should. There are plenty of places all over the city that need volunteers to do everything from deliver meals to carry balloons this week. Here are just a few:

• TXU Energy is sponsoring a 5K Fun Run that benefits Sheltering Arms, an agency that provides a wide array of services for the elderly. Volunteers are needed to help with registration, set-up, water stations, etc. The race is held near the Galleria and, as is often the case, volunteers receive free T-shirts. More information can be found here.
• The Houston Festival Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with the H-E-B Holiday Parade. Volunteers will serve as ushers for those with reserved seats, selling tickets, and get this: baloon carriers! Just be careful. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, parking, and breakfast. Sounds like a deal. More information can be found here.
• Houston's 11th Annual Superfeast, held downtown outside City Hall, will feed 15-20 thousand of Houston's needy and homeless. Volunteers will help to set up,serve, and clean up. If you can't make it out on Thanksgiving, you can always donate food or money to the event. More information about volunteering or donating can be found here.
• The Citywide Club of Clubs is also holding a Thanksgiving Feast for the needy, this one at the George R. Brown Convention Center. 35-40 thousand are expected to attend. Volunteers will be needed for many of the same duties as above. For more information, call 713-752-2582.
• Interfaith Ministies of Greater Houston will continue its tradition of delivering meals to elderly with limited mobility. Volunteers will pick up the meals at a distribution site and deliver them to homes around the city. More information can be found here.
• Volunteer Houston will also be organizing groups to visit local nursing homes on Thanksgiving. Participants will meet at one of three locations (Galleria, North Houston, or Kingwood) and bring homemade Thanksgiving cookies and cards to residents. For more information, contact Walter Black at 713-964-0229.

Volunteering shouldn't be confined to the holidays, but it's a great place to start. Information about community service opportunities can be found year-round through Volunteer Houston.