Austin Public Libraries

Job Title: Reading Buddy

Job Description: The reading buddy program matches volunteers with young students in first through fourth grades.  The goal is to help develop positive attitudes about reading and to promote reading as a fun activity.  Buddies will meet to share books, games, and to learn about the library.  

Time Commitment: One hour one session per week through November on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday afternoons starting at 3:30PM.

Location: Cepeda Branch Library, East Austin.

 

Care Calls

Job Title: Telephone Friend

Job Description: After an interview and matching the Telephone Friend with a home-bound client with the Meals on Wheels & More program, the volunteer can call that client once or twice a week and provide friendly conversation and congenial phone-friend talk.

Time Commitment: An hour or more weekly.

Location: The privacy and relaxed atmosphere of your own home.

 

Foundation Communities

Job Title: Food Pantry Pick Up and Delivery

Job Description: The first three Thursdays of each month, Spring Terrace picks up food from the Capital Area Food Bank and unpacks it in the pantry on site at Spring Terrace.  Volunteers are needed to pick up the food and unpack it.  Volunteers must have their own transportation.  Other volunteer jobs are also available such as adult computer class leaders, diet planners, green initiative coordinators, media group correspondents, weekend sports managers, youth activity leaders, and much more. 

Time Commitment: Two hours per week for a minimum of 3 months.

Location: From the Capital Area Food Bank in South Austin to Spring Terrace housing in North Austin.

 

Salvation Army

Job Title: Veteran’s Day Bell Ringers

Job Description: 100 volunteers are needed to ring bells in the 2007 Veteran’s Day parade.  Volunteers will be provided a Salvation Army tee shirt to wear for the event (yours to keep), and a bell to ring in the parade for approximately 30 minutes (12 city blocks).  Volunteer bell ringers will accompany a Salvation Army canteen vehicle as well as a musical effort.  Holiday volunteer opportunities are available as well (including bell ringers, Angel Tree assistance and the Annual Christmas Toy Distribution)!  

Time Commitment: November 11, 2007 from 8AM to about 9:30AM.

Location: Assembly at the Ann Richards Bridge at 8 AM to travel over Town Lake North to the Capitol Building Grounds.

Agency’s Mission: To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

 

Seton Medical Center Volunteers

Job Title: Hospital Volunteer

Job Description: Volunteers are needed to provide support to families in need, assist hospital staff in the ER and Surgery Center, and assist in the gift shop, café and information desks.

Time Commitment: Flexible.

Location: Downtown Austin

Agency’s Mission: To care for and improve the health of those we serve with a special concern for the sick and the poor.

 

South Austin Hospital

Job Title: Gift Shop Volunteer

Job Description:  Run the cash register, price and restock items, work on new and creative displays, all in a fun and lively environment.

Time Commitment: One 4-hour shift each week.

Location:  South Austin

Agency’s Mission:  To care for and improve the health of those served with special concern for the sick and the poor.

 

South Austin Hospital

Job Title: Information Desk Volunteer

Job Description:  Answer questions, direct visitors to appointments and patients’ rooms, deliver flowers and enjoy interacting with the public.

Time Commitment: One 4-hour shift each week.

Location:  South Austin

Agency’s Mission: See above.

 

 Texas Book Festival

Job Title: Book Lovers

Job Description: Over 900 volunteers are needed to make the Texas Book Festival a big success.  If you are an avid book lover, please consider joining them for this special event!  Volunteer jobs vary greatly and include everything from escorting and transporting authors to selling books and staffing information tables, along with everything in between.  A complete list of volunteer opportunities and information can be found on their website.

Time Commitment: November 3 and 4th, shift times vary depending upon the opportunity.

Location: Varies and includes the State Capitol, the Austin Museum of Art, the Alamo Drafthouse and other Austin venues.

Agency’s Mission: The Texas Book Festival bring is free to the public and brings prominent authors and interesting programs to the State Capitol each year.

 

 

Travis County Sheriff’s Department

Job Title: Tutors and Educators for inmates

Job Description: Are you a retired teacher or someone who would enjoy working with inmates to teach them specific skills needed to complete their GED?  If so, the Travis County Sheriff’s Department needs you!  Anyone (preferably retired teachers) able to provide educational classes to inmates to hone various skill sets they need to complete their GED are needed now.  Potential volunteers must be able to pass a criminal background check, a basic skills test and provide a current resume prior to assignment.

Time Commitment: Very flexible.  Weekday hours preferred, but they will be happy to work with your schedule and availability.

Location: Southeast Austin.

Agency’s Mission: As a law enforcement community with a proud tradition dating back to 1840, the Travis County Sheriff's Office has developed a vision for exceeding community expectations through exemplary service. We are reaching out to the entire community to become a part of preventing crime and keeping the community safe.

 

 

For more details on these and many other volunteer opportunities, please call the RSVP office at 512-854-7787. Thank you.