Lending a Helping Hand: Lake Travis Community Service

Photo Courtesy of Lake Travis ISD

Few things feel better than getting out and volunteering to help others in the area. Whether you are just moving to the Lake Travis area, or you have been a resident for a while now, finding places to volunteer can make all of the difference in the world to your neighbors and others in the community. You will find that you have quite a few options when it comes to volunteering, including volunteering at one of the local churches. Many different options and opportunities are available in the area around Lake Travis.

Community Churches

ACTS Church Lakeway

The church is welcome and opening, and they have weekend Worship Gathering, and the members of the church feel that helping and giving back to the community is very important. The church is a great place to attend for those who are looking for ways to volunteer and help the community.

ACTS Church was recognized as the 2013 “Shining Star” by the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes non-profit organizations that go above and beyond to give back to their community.

ACTS Church Lakeway is located at RR 620 and Debba Drive, and is just south of Mansfield Dam. For more information, visit www.actschurchlakeway.com or call (512) 263-8175.

The Church at Lake Travis

The Church at Lake Travis is another good opportunity for those who are looking for a church and a place to practice their faith, as well as to help the community. Four times out of the year, the church members go out into the community to help make a real difference by volunteering. Some of the things they do include painting local nonprofit facilities and holding garage sales to help orphans.

The Church at Lake Travis gathers weekly for worship on Sundays at 10:00am at Lake Travis High School (located at 3324 Ranch Road 620 South) in Austin. For more information about The Church at Lake Travis, visit www.churchlt.com or call (512) 553-6407.

The Lakeway Church

The Lakeway Church has 585 families from a variety of Protestant traditions, including Methodist, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Episcopal backgrounds. Those who want to join the church will fill out a membership application and have a photo taken. They will then have to meet with one of the elders, deacons, or pastors.  The Lakeway Church is located at 2203 Lakeway Blvd. in Lakeway, 78734. For more information, visit www.lakewaychurch.org or call  (512) 261-6331.

Lake Travis Crisis Ministries

The Lake Travis Crisis Ministries is a nondenominational volunteer organization that helps families that are in the midst of some type of crisis. The group has been in the area for more than two decades. They, through the help of volunteers and those who donate, can provide financial assistance, clothing, food, and more for those who might be in need. They work within the same boundaries as the Lake Travis School District. The Lake Travis Thrift Shop is the primary donor to the LTCM. The Lakeway Church is also a huge part of the support for the ministry, as they help with funds donated during Easter and Christmas. They also allow their parishioners to drop off food, which they deliver to the ministry’s pantry each week. For more information, visit www.ltcrisisministries.org or call (512) 266-9810.

Other ways to help

Church groups are one of the best ways to volunteer and to give back to the community. However, they are not the only option. In addition to the churches in the area, quite a few other organizations can always use some additional help from volunteers. Look for these and other facilities and organizations that work with volunteers so you can start making a difference.

Lake Travis Community Library

The Lake Travis Community Library is a very popular place that could always use some volunteers. The volunteers can work in three hour shifts where they can help with a number of different tasks, such as putting books on shelves, checking books in and out for the guests, and even helping with special events or story time for the children. They also have a teen volunteer program for kids in grades 7-12.  The Lake Travis Community Library is located at 1938 Lohmans Crossing in Lakeway, 78734. For more information, visit www.laketravislibrary.org or call (512) 263-2885.

Lake Travis Independent School District

Another group that can always use some volunteers is the Lake Travis Independent School District. Volunteers can include parents, organizations, and members of the community that want to share their time. Volunteers could work as mentors, and they can share their experience with teachers and with students. They offer a large number of different opportunities for nearly anyone who wants to volunteer.

Since there are nine schools in the district, those who want to volunteer can call the Community Programs Department at (512) 533-6011. They can let you know what schools need help and where your skills and talent would best be utilized.  For more information about LTISD, visit www.ltisdschools.org.

Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop

Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop supports a number of different charities, including Lake Travis Crisis Ministries, Helping Hands Spicewood, Green Santa, St. Vincent DePaul, and Healthcare Volunteer Associates Clinic. Volunteers run the shop, and those who are interested in volunteering their own services can call the shop at (512) 263-0314. They can help with sorting the items, getting them in the store, selling them, and more.  Ladies of Charity Lake Travis Thrift Shop is located at 1508 RR 620 South, Suite 105, Lakeway, 78734.

Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce

The Mission of the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic growth. The strategy to accomplish the mission is to assist members to “Get Known and Be Known” and to sell Lake Travis as a destination.

The Vision of the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce is to be the voice for business in the South Lake Travis area.

Make a difference

Volunteering can make people feel great, as though they are really making a difference in their community. With all of the different options, everyone should be able to find plenty of ways to give back to the community.