As summer approaches and you are looking for fun and meaningful activities, check out this list for some inspiration!
Projects listed in JustServe.org
- Volunteer in the Food Pantry at Katy Christian Ministries –sign up for a morning or afternoon shift
- Volunteer to Pick up & Deliver Food Donations – Pick up donated food from a grocery store in the Katy area a couple of mornings a week and deliver to KCM.
- Help feed hungry children: Kids Meals Houston or Lunches of Love
- Lifelong Learning Center: Ongoing events to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Grace Care Center in Katy: Holiday Visits (all ages)
- Help Teach English: Daily Dose
- Decorate lunch sacks for Kids Meals on Wheels (all ages)
- Prepare meals at the Houston Food Bank
Other Service Opportunities
- Mentor a young woman– make a difference in a teen girl’s life (12-17 year old) that is living at the Krause Children’s House
- Make Blankets for Project Linus Drop off location: Quilt ‘n Sew in Katy
- Clothed By Faith (sort clothing ages 14+)
- Special Pals Animal shelter (ages 12+)
- Houston Food Bank sort food (Ages 6+)
- Decorate placemats, make activity bags or fleece blankets for Texas Children’s Hospital
- Make greeting cards, weed at the community garden, or donate to the thrift store or food pantry at Katy Christian Ministries
- Collect and/or sort books to share with other children in Houston with Books Between Kids (ages 5+)
- Make pillow cases for children in the hospital with Case for Smiles
- Donate to Compassion Katy https://compassionkaty.org/donate/
Volunteer at the Ballard House
https://www.theballardhouse.org/how-you-can-help/volunteer/
Because there are so many opportunities to help out at our house, we will gladly work with you to tailor volunteer assignments to best match your schedule and preferences. Whether you are coming in as a group, a family, a civic organization or a business, our guests and staff value and appreciate your help. Below are some suggested activities for your group or for individuals interested in making the Ballard House your place of service.
- Guest Wranglers:Volunteers are awesome receptionists, first impressionists and quickly learn to greet everyone who enters the front door with a hearty, “Welcome to the Ballard House.” Our Wranglers also answer the phone, check guests in and out as well as become “tour guides.”
- Hoe Downers–Work in the yard:There are several times during the year when we need extra help to plant flowers, pull weeds and mulch beds. Please bring any work gloves or work tools you might need. We do not have enough supplies for an entire group.
- Dustin’ Divas Needed: Our house can always use a little extra TLC to get to those tasks that don’t get completed every day. This role is so valuable in keeping the house clean and welcoming, and helps people have a positive first impression.
- Host a Pantry Party:We are always in need of items to fill our pantry. Some groups have held “paper parties” to collect tissue, paper towels, paper napkins and toilet paper (we can use 50 rolls a week)! Put the TP Challenge out to your group. What you use in your house we use in ours–we just use more of it. We update our list of supplies needed regularly.
- Dinner Dudes and Angels:Love to cook and serve? You are welcome to try out your favorite recipes on us. Meals are always appreciated by our guests.
- Friendly Floaters: Anything and everything that needs done around the Ballard House this courageous task force rises to the occasion–watering plants, making beds, cleaning out the refrigerator or pantry, filing, making copies—all done with a skip in their step and a smile on their face. Could this be you?
Ongoing Needs for Texas Children’s Hospital
There is an ongoing need for certain items at the hospital. All materials should be appropriate for a general pediatric population. References to illnesses should only be positive. If there are any questions about what items are acceptable, please contact Volunteer Services Main Campus at 832-824-2257. Advance notice is appreciated. View a full list of items, but the following are a few suggestions:
- New books, magazines, playing cards, puzzles, board games and inexpensive toys for various age groups.
- Items a hospitalized child may enjoy doing in their room, unsupervised. No toy guns, remote controlled cars/planes, large toy sets etc
- Care kits including: toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, disposable razors/shaving cream, comb/hairbrush, and lotion.
- Coloring books and crayons. Crayons must be non-toxic. Crayola brand is preferred.
- No religious references for holidays — for example, use bunnies or eggs for Easter. Please deliver holiday items a week before the holiday in order to provide adequate time to share items with our patients.
- Coloring sheets and tray mats should be 8 1/2 x 11″ bond paper of any color. No markers, buttons, ribbon, glitter on tray mats. Crayons may be used. Lamination is acceptable, but not necessary. The patients prefer something interactive such as a crossword puzzle, dot-to-dot or trivia game. Written messages should be of an up-beat nature such as “hope this brings a smile to your day”. No “get well” or messages with a religious theme. We prefer a large number of these at once (100+).
- Craft packets that include pre-made craft supplies that patients can work on in their rooms. Examples include activity booklets, door hangers, nametags, or small crafts patients can complete in their rooms unsupervised.
- Decorated pillowcases to brighten hospital rooms- tie-dye, fabric paint.
- Homemade blankets and quilts.
- All items must be new for infection control purposes.
Donations may be dropped off at both the Main Campus, West Campus and The Woodlands.
Main Campus Volunteer Services Office, 6621 Fannin Street Suite A125, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you must bring donations at another time, please call 832-824-2257 to see if other arrangements can be made.
West Campus Volunteer Services Office, 18200 Katy Freeway, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM -7:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
The Woodlands Volunteer Services Office, 17600 IH 45 South, The Woodlands, TX 77384, Monday – Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM.
Vehicle Donation
Wondering what to do with your used car or truck? Donating your old vehicle to Texas Children’s Hospital is convenient, easy and may qualify you for a charitable income tax deduction, while helping Texas Children’s Hospital heal sick children.
Key Features
- Any car, truck, RV or boat can be donated
- It need not be running
- Your gift may be more attractive than a low trade-in value or high repairs
- Free pickup, including towing, is provided
- Your contribution is tax-deductible and a gift receipt will be provided
Call 866-628-CARS (866-628-2277) or complete our simple online donation form at https://www.vehiclesforcharity.org/charities and we’ll take care of the rest.
Thank you for your generosity to Texas Children’s Hospital.
Opportunities at KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES (KCM)
For more info on volunteering at KCM or if you are interested in volunteering as a group with your church/school/organization
Phone: 281-391-5261 or email: volunteer@ktcm.org
KCM Volunteer Guidelines
- All those who volunteer in our stores or any other KCM programs must be at least 13 years of age or older. Those volunteers who are between the ages of 13-15 must have an adult accompany them at all times
- All volunteers must have completed an online Volunteer application.
- All volunteers must volunteer for a minimum of two hours during one shift.
- Volunteers must follow the dress code as listed below:
- Only closed toe shoes are acceptable.
- Shorts must be of appropriate length. Tight or revealing clothing will not be allowed.
- No references to drugs, alcohol, nudity, obscene language or slogans will be allowed on clothing.
KCM Store Volunteer Guidelines
- NO walk-ins
- Volunteer must have been contacted and approved by Volunteer Coordinator or Store Manager prior to volunteering
- All first time volunteers must go through orientation with department manager
- Must follow dress code and agency policies
- Must volunteer a minimum of 2 hours at any one time
KCM Group Volunteer Guidelines
- One month advance notice required
- Project and/or group must be approved in advance
- Group release for each person in group
- Must meet age requirements and have ample supervision: ratio of 1 adult/5 children or youth
Additional Volunteer Opportunities at KCM
KCM loves for families and groups to get involved with serving our programs. Below please find several options for volunteering that can be accomplished at home, in your church, neighborhood or school.
These may be appropriate for children under 13 and for group
Food Drives – Collect food for our food pantry, schedule a time to deliver the food and get a tour of our food pantry. Click here for a regularly updated list of needed items.
Gas Cards – Collect money for gas cards. One of the biggest obstacles for our clients is the ability to travel to find work. In our Social Service office, we are accepting gas cards to distribute to those clients who meet the stringent guidelines set forth by their case managers.
Furniture/Housewares/Clothing Drives – The KCM resale stores help support our programs, with $.87 of every dollar going back into the programs. This is only possible through the generous donations from our community. We can pick up your donations or you can deliver them to our donations center. More information can be found here.
Blanket Drives – Collect new blankets for Crisis victims.
Fun bags – collect items for children of Crisis victims (coloring books, crayons, etc)
For more info on volunteering at KCM or If you are interested in volunteering as a group with your church/school/organization please
Phone: 281-391-5261 ext. 4022 or email volunteer@ktcm.org
Need a Letter Confirming Your Volunteer Hours?
Use the button below to request verification of your volunteer hours. Please allow 2 business days (Mon-Thurs) to process your request.
Request Volunteer Hours Verification
Ongoing Needs for Christ’s Clinic
http://christclinickaty.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
ITEMS TO DONATE
The clinic’s success is dependent on In-Kind goods and services and donation from individuals and community businesses and organization. If you know of any opportunity for us to obtain the following items, we would greatly appreciate it.
MEDICATIONS
We accept unused and unopened OTC and prescription medications. This helps us fill orders when patients are most in need. We cannot accept a donation of narcotic medications.
TOILETRIES
Many of our patients are unable to afford the basics you and I take for granted including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, feminine products, Diabetic Foot care kits (compression socks, foot powder, lotion, toenail clippers) and $5 Walmart gift cards to help with the cost of medications.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Any office supplies such as copy paper, binders, notepads, coffee, snacks for volunteers are greatly appreciated.
DONATION OF DURABLE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Christ Clinic can accept some medical equipment and supplied. You may also want to contact a member of the development team if you plan to donate for questions at (832) 913-8476.
Collecting Items needed at Various Organizations
Ongoing Needs for Hope Impacts (Helping the Homeless is Katy Area) http://hopeimpacts.net
If you’d like an easy way to get involved, consider making a donation. We are constantly in need of the following items. Make a personal donation, or mobilize a church group, office, or family to collect and donate these needed items:
Sleeping Bags
Adult Backpacks
New socks
New mens boxer briefs ( all sizes)
Men’s pocket T shirts lg-2x
Gently used men’s jeans all sizes
Gently used men’s belts
Gently used men’s tennis shoes
Adult Size blankets ( no small throws please)
Rain ponchos
Propane for camp stoves
Any gently used camping equipment
Tents, chairs, cooking stoves, tables, etc
Paper goods
Plastic goods
Large trash bags
Plastic storage containers
Body wipes
Hygiene items (all)
Razors
Easy open food containers
Complete meals ( found on grocery shelf. Not freezer)
Soft breakfast or granola bars
Individual fruit cups
Tuna packages
GAS cards
Grocery cards
Phone cards
Restaurant cards
Generic gift cards
Monetary Donations
Volunteer with the Katy Prairie Conservancy (14+)
Are you looking for an opportunity to do your part for the prairie? Without the support and hard work of our generous volunteers, the Katy Prairie Conservancy would not be where we are today. Volunteers play a tremendous role with helping to protect and preserve the prairie. It’s also a wonderful time you to connect with nature and other passionate volunteers!
We have a variety of ways for volunteers to get involved. We welcome the participation of corporate teams, service organizations, scouting groups, families, and individuals.
How to become a KPC Volunteer
- Complete a volunteer application form
- Submit a KPC Release of Liability form. Minors must have a minor release form completed by a parent or guardian.
- Join our volunteer email list to receive updates on upcoming projects and volunteer needs.
For more information about volunteering with KPC please contact volunteer@katyprairie.org
Volunteer Projects
Help Collect Seeds for Conservation
Help Enhance a Prairie Builders School or Park
Help with Prairie Work Days in our Native Seed Nursery
Grow prairie plants at home with the Great Grow Out
Join our volunteer email list to receive updates about additional projects – make sure to check the Volunteer box.
KPC’s policy on working with minors
Minors 14 years and older are welcomed to volunteer for KPC. We also enjoy working with our younger friends when parents are also available to volunteer. Please contact us to learn more.