With shelter in place orders issued for Houston area counties and an extension on social distancing until April 30th, we might find ourselves with some extra time on our hands.
Here are some ways to keep yourself active and busy while giving back to the community and helping vulnerable groups.
NOTE: If you are sick, do not volunteer. If you have any underlying conditions, please consider opportunities to support organizations that are utilizing “virtual or remote” volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities
- The Houston Food Bank needs volunteers to pack food kits for at-need individuals and families, many of whom are not able to conserve food. The food bank is taking steps to keep volunteers safe. Volunteer groups have decreased in size to implement social distancing and cleaning has increased in frequency. Learn more about volunteer shift types and register
- The Katy Christian Ministries is asking for volunteers to deliver food for families. You can sign up here.
- Become a volunteer at Kid’s Meals Inc. Pack lunches in the kitchen or deliver meals on wheels to homes of children in need.
- Sign up to be a volunteer at Target Hunger and deliver meals to those in need including the elderly.
- The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston needs volunteers to run its drive-thru food pantry. Sign up
- The Beacon of Downtown Houston needs volunteers to distribute sack lunches to the homeless. Sign up
- The Texas Diaper Bank is also asking for volunteers to create kits for families and repackage diapers and wipes.
Donation Opportunities
- With blood drives being canceled, blood donation organizations are in dire need of donations.
- The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has tools to locate a donation center
- American Red Cross appointments can be scheduled here or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
- Direct Relief provides personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) in all 50 states and 80 countries. Donations can be made Be sure to select “direct my donation to” and “Coronavirus Response.”
- First book is an organization that provides basic hygiene supplies and books to children in low-income communities. Donations can be made
- Restaurant Workers Community Foundation directs funds to individual restaurant workers and organizations leading efforts in the restaurant community and provides zero-interest loans to businesses during this time.
- Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston has partnered with Meals on Wheels to provide a week’s worth of food at a time for seniors. Operation IMpact is taking donations here.
- Jim McIngvale, aka Mattress Mack, is asking for donations Donations are accepted through his gofund me page here.
- Target Hunger provides food for those in need including seniors. You can sign up to make a donation here.
- Kid’s Meals Inc delivers meals to pre-school children in need. You can make a donation here.
- Southern Smoke Foundation is a crisis relief organization for people in the food and beverage industry. Donations are being accepted
- The Houston Humane Society Pet Pantry is providing free pet food and supplies to pet owners who need assistance. You can donate through their amazon wishlist or through their
- The Texas Diaper Bank is accepting donations through their amazon wishlist.
Other Resources
- Although Houston area school districts are closed, they are providing free meals for families who depend on school-funded meal programs. Click here for a list of school districts serving meals and their pickup times.
- Houston Methodist has made virtual non-emergency urgent care available. More information is available here.
The information above has been obtained from sources I believe are reliable, but I cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. People should do their own research of any charities they choose to support.
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