Volunteering in Cypress and Cy-Fair This Summer
As we settle into summer, families in the Cypress and Cy-Fair areas are given the gift of time and a perfect opportunity to connect on a deeper level with their community. From children to adults, volunteering during the summer break can bring immense benefits, not just to the community, but to the volunteers themselves.
According to the National Institute of Health, volunteering offers numerous benefits, improving social, mental, and physical health, and enhancing overall well-being. It also provides significant economic advantages to organizations and helps welfare services reach deprived communities. Volunteering also helps to stimulate personal growth, build stronger bonds with others, and develop new skills.
In the Cypress and Cy-Fair areas, there is an array of nonprofit organizations that offer diverse volunteering opportunities that cater to a variety of interests and skills. Learn more about volunteering with these organizations over the summer and beyond.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands
Established on the pillars of community and compassion, Cy-Fair Helping Hands leverages the power of volunteerism and community support to provide essential services to the homeless and hungry across the Cy-Fair community. Here are some of their volunteer roles:
- Food Pantry Team Member: Help prepare food bags, manage traffic, and work on pantry-related projects.
- Administrative Assistant: Assist with administrative needs and tasks.
- Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Coordinator: Manage data entry and gain proficiency in the HMIS system.
- Red Barrel Donation Driver: Facilitate food donation pickups from local grocery stores.
- Day Center Shuttle Driver: Help transport homeless neighbors.
To learn more about volunteering with Cy-Fair Helping Hands, view on-site opportunities here and off-site opportunities here.
Cy-Fair Women’s Club
Since 1982, the Cy-Fair Women’s Club has been a cornerstone of charity in the local area, serving the community through various outreach initiatives in support of area nonprofits, local students and more. Volunteering opportunities include:
- Committee Member: Join a committee to support a cause that resonates with you.
- Event Volunteer: Assist with event preparation, ticket sales, and more for events like Shop 'til You Drop.
For more information about membership, reach out to the organization via email.
Cy-Hope
Dedicated to supporting the educational and emotional well-being of at-risk youth, Cy-Hope transforms lives through the power of community support with various programs. Their volunteer opportunities include:
- Hope Center Volunteer: Support after-school programs, assist with activities, and mentor students.
- Backpack Program Helper: Help sort and pack food items for children in need.
- Event Planning Volunteer: Participate in organizing and executing fundraising events.
- Dierker’s Champs Baseball League: Help with concessions, field help, umpires, coaches, and game day support.
- Ambassadors of Compassion: Volunteer as a Mentor/Team Coach to guide middle and high school students.
- Hope Chest Resale Market: Adults for weekly warehouse shifts, groups to keep the street clean monthly, and students (16+) for weekly help.
Discover more about Cy-Hope's volunteering opportunities and sign up on the Cy-Hope website.
Cypress Assistance Ministries (CAM)
CAM provides assistance, hope, and resources to families in crisis, promoting self-sufficiency. Volunteering here allows you to directly impact lives:
- Donation Center: Process community donations by sorting, cleaning, hanging, and tagging items.
- Food Pantry: Stock shelves, pack groceries, and pick up food donations.
- Special Delivery: Deliver groceries and check in with senior and disabled neighbors.
- Administrative Support: Provide support in office tasks such as database entry, phone calls, and filing.
- Assistance Office: Connect neighbors with services, especially for bilingual volunteers.
- Angels' Attic: Help with merchandising, assisting customers, and cashier duties at the resale shop.
Visit the Cypress Assistance Ministries website to learn more and volunteer.
Reach Unlimited
Focused on enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Reach Unlimited offers numerous ways to volunteer:
- Classroom Assistance: Help in a classroom at the Learning Activity Center.
- Skill Sharing: Teach a class or share a talent, such as music or exercise.
- Group Home and Greenhouse Support: Assist in group homes and in the Greenhouse and Gift Shop.
- Administrative and Leadership Roles: Aid with business office tasks, serve on events committees, become an Ambassador, or join the Board.
For more details and to volunteer, check out the Reach Unlimited website.
The Living Legacy Center
The Living Legacy Center aims to empower underserved communities through holistic support and development programs. They offer various volunteering roles that truly make a difference:
- Community Garden Support: Assist with various tasks in the community garden like weeding, harvesting and planting.
- Community Event Volunteer: Support the planning and execution of community events.
For additional information and to volunteer, visit the Living Legacy Center website.
National Charity League
This mother-daughter organization is focused on fostering a sense of community responsibility through various philanthropic service activities. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Philanthropy Coordinator: Help coordinate and oversee charity events and activities.
- Event Volunteer: Participate in volunteer service events alongside other members.
- Chapter Support: Assist with administrative and organizational support tasks.
Local chapters include Yellow Rose, Texas Diamonds, Cypress Gems, and Cypress Pearls. Visit their respective websites for more information.
Young Men’s Service League
Designed for young men and their mothers to serve together, Young Men's Service League offers numerous ways to engage in meaningful community service:
- Service Project Volunteer: Engage in various community service projects and events.
- Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions within the organization to help plan and manage activities.
Local chapters include CyWest, CyFair, and Cypress. Visit the respective chapter websites for more information about joining.
Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP)
Dedicated to helping animals in need, CAP provides shelter, health, and loving homes for homeless animals. By volunteering, you can make a significant impact:
- Animal Care Volunteer: Assist with the daily care of animals including feeding, cleaning, and socializing.
- Adoption Counselor: Help match animals with their forever homes and guide potential adopters through the process.
- Event Support: Participate in planning and executing fundraising events.
Learn more about how to volunteer at the Citizens for Animal Protection website.
Special Pals
This nonprofit rescue focuses on saving the lives of unwanted and abandoned pets. Special Pals offers various volunteer opportunities to suit all interests:
- Shelter Helper: Support daily operations by cleaning, feeding, and providing care for the animals.
- Adoption Events Volunteer: Assist with setting up and facilitating off-site adoption events.
- Foster Care: Provide temporary homes for animals in need of special care or socialization.
Discover more about volunteering with Special Pals on their website.
Boys and Girls Country
Committed to changing the lives of children from families in crisis, Boys and Girls Country offers a stable home environment and enriching programs. Volunteer roles include:
- Tutor/Mentor: Provide academic support and mentorship to help students achieve their educational goals.
- Cottage Helper: Assist houseparents with day-to-day tasks and interact with children.
- Special Events Volunteer: Help with planning and executing events that benefit the children and their families.
For additional details and to sign up, visit the Boys and Girls Country website.
Abba’s House
Dedicated to supporting refugee mothers and their children, Abba’s House provides stable housing and holistic support. Volunteering opportunities include:
- Workshop Mentor: Lead educational and skill-building workshops for residents.
- Childcare Volunteer: Assist with childcare during program sessions and events.
- Facility Support: Help with maintenance, organization, and beautification of the living spaces.
Learn more about volunteering at Abba’s House website.
Houston Cy-Fair Lions Club
This community service organization focuses on vision-related health programs and community improvement projects. Volunteer roles with the Houston Cy-Fair Lions Club include:
- Vision Screening Volunteer: Assist with organizing and conducting vision screenings for children and adults.
- Event Coordinator: Help plan and execute fundraising events and community service activities.
- General Volunteer: Support various community and environmental projects as needed.
For more information, visit the Houston Cy-Fair Lions Club website.
Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks
This global service organization works to promote peace, fight disease, and support education through numerous projects. Volunteer opportunities with the Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks are available in:
- Service Project Volunteer: Participate in local and international service projects that address various community needs.
- Fundraising Support: Assist with organizing and running fundraising events to support community initiatives.
- Educational Programs: Support literacy and education projects both locally and abroad.
Visit the Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks website for details on how to become a member.
MESA Outreach
Focusing on providing food, scholarships, and support services to those in need, MESA Outreach offers multiple volunteer opportunities:
- Food Pantry Volunteer: Help stock shelves, prepare food bags, and assist with distribution.
- Clothing Closet Volunteer: Organize and distribute clothing donations to community members.
- Stuff the Bus: Help prepare school supplies for this annual back-to-school initiative.
Find out more about volunteering with MESA Outreach on their website.
Take advantage of this summer to give back to the community and foster personal development. Every act of volunteering shapes our community and helps the Cypress area become a better place for everyone.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
