Austin, TX

It’s that time of year when we pause to reflect on how lucky we are to have roofs over our heads and food in our stomachs. With that realization comes a desire to give to those less fortunate. Here are some ways you can give back to your community this holiday season:

The Empty Bowl Project
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
Mexican American Culture Center
600 River Street, Austin, Tx
11:00 - 3:00pm

This is such a cool project. Potters from all over Texas donate hand made bowls of every size, shape and color. Restaurants and bakeries all over town donate soup and bread. Musicians donate their time and talent. Your part is to show up, pick yourself a gorgeous bowl for which you’ll pay a mere $15. Your bowl will then be filled with a delectable soup. You’ll grab yourself some bread to go with it and kick back and enjoy the entertainment. The Empty Bowl Project is part of a nation-wide effort to raise money, awareness and to end hunger. Proceeds for this project go to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Kids Cafe Program. The Austin Empty Bowl Project will be held at the Mexican American Culture Center
at 600 River Street in Austin, just off the hike and bike trail on Lake Ladybird, November 23, 2008. Get there early to pick out the coolest bowls!

Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey began in 2000 as an means to promote community outreach during the Thanksgiving holiday. Operation Turkey helps communities to organize and distribute food, clothing, blankets to the homeless and those less fortunate. Operation Turkey needs YOU to help prepare and distribute these items. If you love to cook, or are willing to package up or deliver food on Thanksgiving Day, or if you just want to donate, your help is always appreciated. Children are welcome and they have projects just for kids. Click here to register and sign up!

2008 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2008, 9:30 a.m.
Waterloo Park (12th & Trinity)

The Annual Turkey Trot is a great way to burn off some calories, get some exercise before the big meal and give back to your community. This event benefits Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization that provides for those experiencing poverty that begins with a safety net and links them to resources to achieve self-sufficiency. Last year’s Turkey Trot raised $115,000 and over the last 17 years, the race has raised well over $600,000 for Caritas. Choose the 5k run or the 1 mile walk.

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade 2008
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
Starts at the State Capital at 11am

Bring a toy for this hour long parade benefiting Operation Blue Santa. Your generous donations will be distributed to children in need just in time for the holidays. Operation Blue Santa is run by the Austin Police Department in partnership with the Austin Community, the Texas National Guard, the Austin Fire Department, the Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Energy. Each year, Operation Blue Santa serves more than 3,800 families, with 14,000 children in those families receiving gifts.