The holidays are a wonderful time to start thinking about giving back to your community in the form of donating or volunteering. Here are just a few organizations in the Austin area that are looking for volunteers:

Capital Area Food Bank - Volunteers are needed to sort donations, work with the mobile food pantries unloading trucks and distributing food, and perform administrative duties.  Find out more at http://www.austinfoodbank.org/ 

Any Baby Can - Individuals are needed to help with tutoring, family literacy classes and watching children while their parents attend parenting classes.  See more at http://www.abcaus.org/ 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas - Spend time mentoring an at-risk youth.  Find out how at http://www.bigmentoring.org/site/c.bkLVKdOQLjK6E/b.6458477/k.F075/Home_Page.htm 

SafePlace - Provide assistance to families and shelter, help with hospital or legal matters, provide education through public speaking, tutoring, and more.  Click here for more:  http://www.safeplace.org/ 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) - Advocate for children in the court system

For a complete listing of volunteer needs in our community, please go to the Business Directory and search "Volunteer Opportunities" under the Community, Church and Social Services tab.