AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s the season of giving, and Austinites have numerous opportunities to aid those in need during the holidays (and year-round!). With Thanksgiving just around the corner, a slew of local organizations and grocers are helping feed those in need — and you can help them in those efforts.
Here’s a look at some of the ways to give back this Thanksgiving.
Austin Empty Bowl Project
The annual Austin Empty Bowl Project — scheduled for Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Texas Food Bank, located at 6500 Metropolis Drive. Attendees can pick out a ceramic bowl of their choice made by local potters, enjoy some soup and live music and participate in a silent auction bid.
All proceeds raised during the event will go to the Central Texas Food Bank Kids Cafe as well as Meals on Wheels Central Texas.
Del Valle Turkey Trot
The second annual Del Valle Turkey Trot will take place on Saturday at Del Valle High School, located at 5201 Ross Road. The 5K race begins at 8 a.m., with organizers aiming to provide turkey dinners for 400 families through the effort and raise more than $50,000 for winter toy and gear drives for local families.
Event registration details are listed online.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
The H-E-B Feast of Sharing is a series of holiday events that help provide more than 340,000 dinners across Texas and Mexico. Launched in 1989, the free events are open to community members looking to celebrate and give back.
In Austin, this year’s Thanksgiving event is slated for Nov. 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. H-E-B is collaborated with the United Way for Greater Austin on volunteer efforts for the feast, with shifts available from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 26.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up online.
Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey runs year-round with events throughout the Austin area. For those looking to help this Thanksgiving, volunteers can assist at the pre-holiday “Turkey Tailgate” and day-of.
The Turkey Tailgate takes place the day before Thanksgiving, with volunteers organization toiletries, clothing donations and supplies alongside cooking the turkeys. On the tailgate day, Operation Turkey is seeking out smokers and pitmasters to help prepare the birds. Information on the tailgate and how to volunteer is detailed here.
With Thanksgiving morning, volunteers help build out the meals and deliver them to community members. Those looking to assist can aid with setup, cooking, plating, packaging and delivery processes. More details on that opportunity are available online.
Community members seeking a Thanksgiving meal delivery — which includes traditional holiday dishes like turkey, stuffing and vegetables — can request a meal online. Deliveries will be made between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Sprouts Farmers Market Grab ‘N Give
This holiday season, Sprouts shoppers can purchase and donate pre-packed bags of food and toiletries as part of the grocer’s Grab ‘N Give food drive. The donations will benefit the Central Texas Food Bank, with the Grab ‘N Give program running through Dec. 31 at the following Austin locations:
- 10225 Research Blvd., Austin
- 4006 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin
- 6920 Menchaca Road, Austin
Thanksgiving Potluck
Calvary Church, located at 5700 Manchaca Road, Ste. 260 in south Austin, will host its annual potluck on Nov. 27. The event begins at 6 p.m. and those attending are asked to bring a dish to share with other participants.
ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Austinites can strut their stuff this Thanksgiving and give back to those in need at this year’s ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving morning. Participants can sign up for a five-mile run, a one-mile run/walk or a Kids K race, with all ticket revenue benefitting Caritas of Austin and the nonprofit’s work to end homelessness.
Interested participants can register for the race online.
Know of a Thanksgiving meal or donation opportunity benefitting those in need? Let us know! Email digital reporter Kelsey Thompson at kelsey.thompson@kxan.com.