By Spring Sault
‘Voluntourism’ is defined as a combination of both volunteering and tourism by several upstanding resources. The main focus of this opportunity to date, however, has been abroad, in other nations, with an emphasis on individual projects or programs. Conversely, but with that same concept in mind, this could be applied to a regional opportunity as well, allowing you to not only help someone or something in need, but also get to know another part of your county or state you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to see before.
There are several occasions for giving back, participating, and generally helping others (human or animal) that bring the true feeling of thankfulness to both you and the recipient. Texans, ‘Tex-patriates’ and those that simply want to visit Texas can happily offer their hands–up or – out at any one or more of these Hill Country philanthropic entities.
1. The Hays County Food Bank
Photo: haysfoodbank.org
The Hays County Food Bank (HCFB), and many such similar entities throughout Texas Hill Country, works hard to tackle hunger, keep their shelves stocked and, in general, feed those in need. With flooding incidences in Hill Country, the HCFB anticipates that the number of individuals and families needing assistance will have increased since 2014 – a year which saw nearly 3,400 family signed up for Thanksgiving turkey boxes. If you or your family would like to help this worthy cause and assist families that perhaps lost possessions in the flooding, have been displaced and won’t be spending Thanksgiving in their homes, or generally need our support, you can do one or more of the following:
- Donate nonperishable food items to the food bank.
- Donate funds to help support the ongoing operations of the Hays County Food Bank
- Volunteer – as a driver of a food van, in the warehouse and distribution process, at special events, and even at speaking opportunities!
For more information, visit the Hays County Food Bank website, or call 512-392-8300.
2. Trudy Brune Hill Country SPCA
Photo: hillcountryspca.com
The Trudy Brune Hill Country SPCA is the only nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter providing services to the Texas Hill Country. They are not supported by tax dollars and their funding comes strictly from donations, grants, and fundraising events. They’re dedicated to preventing cruelty and neglect, reducing the number of homeless and unwanted as well as providing shelter and placement services for companion animals, eliminating euthanasia of unwanted pets and fostering responsible pet ownership. Volunteers are always needed and can help care for the animals, provide animal training and TLC, maintain the shelter grounds, serve as receptionists at the front desk and conduct fundraising and community outreach activities. If you’re an individual or family that feels it their duty to do whatever is needed for the welfare of a shelter animal (and who doesn’t?!), then contact the Trudy Brune at Hill Country SPCA via their website or by calling 830-990-9085
3. Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries
Photo: ob.orgob.org
Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries, situated out of Boerne, services the surrounding community members in less fortunate circumstances by rallying its partner outreach volunteers (including over 70 church groups and community partners) to share resources and experience with those in need. They provide the opportunity for personal assistance through a Family Mentor Volunteer, working on the underlying issues of both generational as well as situational poverty. Their focus is ministering and providing support through the church in conjunction with services (i.e. literacy and youth-at-risk programs,) as well as direct items of need (i.e. clothing, food, household items.) If you’re interested in participating in any of their initiatives or simply donating items to those in need through their services, please visit their website the Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries website, or call 830-249-0025.
4. Hill Country Youth Ranch
Photo: youth-ranch.org
Established in 1977, the Hill Country Youth Ranch is a non-profit charitable corporation licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to provide long-term therapeutic care for abused and orphaned children at all levels of trauma and need. It operates 3 campuses located in Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, which offer family-style homes, charter schools with grades Kindergarten through twelve, recreational facilities, and spacious grounds. The school’s intent is to provide a broad continuum of services on an individualized basis, including but not limited to:
- Residential treatment for severely traumatized children,
- Family care for those who have stabilized,
- Transitional living for young adults; and,
- Life-long family-based support for alumni.
Volunteers for the school and the services and special events it provides are always welcomed. As well, gifts in kind and donations of direct funding can be made to each of the campuses. To enquire about volunteering or donating, please visit the Hill Country Youth Ranch website at http://www.youth-ranch.org/how-can-you-help/volunteer.html
Though a small sampling of the many opportunities within Texas Hill Country for giving of your time or otherwise over the Thanksgiving holidays, there are so many worthwhile causes, groups and direct beneficiaries of your much-needed support. Research and study your options and perhaps try a Thanksgiving ‘voluntourism’ opportunity in Hill Country or beyond! The best gift you can give is your time, and often, that is what’s truly needed.
