|
Opportunities for sharing your knowledge and expertise are abundant and diverse in the Rio Grande Valley. Volunteering is not only a means to help others and contribute to the community, but a great way to make new friends, learn new skills, and stay active and healthy. Many volunteer programs will provide training and most have a simple application and interview process. Some will require some form of photo identification and may require a background check and/or references or brief resume. The following list is by general categories and is by no means a complete list of every volunteer opportunity. If you are interested in volunteering, just ask! Chances are you will find a perfect match for your interests!
Health and Medical
Valley Aids Council
Description: Application and interview process to determine area of interest. Training provided.
Contact:
www.valleyaids.org
(956)428-9322 Main
(956)428-2653 Volunteer Coordinator
(956)668-1155 Volunteer Coordinator
800-840-3629 Toll-free
418 E. Tyler, Suite B
Harlingen, TX 78550
Area Hospitals
Description: Almost every hospital depends on volunteers to help with patients on a daily basis. Activities can range from delivering reading materials to greeting visitors to driving a golf cart to helping with fund raising. A volunteer uniform is worn in most settings. An application process is required and orientation and training are provided. Call the main number and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
Contacts:
CAMERON COUNTY
Brownsville Surgical Hospital, (956)554-2000
Harlingen Medical Center, (956)365-1000
South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, (956)546-5200
Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen, (956)389-1100
Valley Baptist Medical Center, Brownsville, (956)698-5400
Valley Regional Medical Center, (956)350-7000
HIDALGO COUNTY
Cornerstone Regional Hospital, (956)618-4444
Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, (956)661-7100
Edinburg Regional Medical Center, (956)388-6000
Knapp Medical Center, (956)968-8657
Lifecare Hospital of South Texas-McAllen North, (956)688-4300
Lifecare Hospital of South Texas-McAllen South, (956)688-4300
McAllen Heart Hospital, (956)994-2000
McAllen Medical Center, (956)632-4000
Mission Regional Medical Center, (956)323-9000
Rio Grande Regional Hospital, (956)632-6000
South Texas Behavioral Health Center, (956)388-1300
Nature and Conservation
Gladys Porter Zoo
Description: Be a docent (8 week training required). Contact Zoo for other opportunities for involvement.
Contact:
www.gpz.org
956-548-9453 Volunteer Information
(956)546-7187 Main
500 Ringgold Street
Brownsville, Texas 78520
South Texas Refuge Complex
Description: Trail maintenance, visitor services, clerical duties, leading tours, assisting with special projects, and more in settings ranging from coastal prairies to wetlands to riparian forests and more.
Locations:
Laguna Atascosa NWR (near Harlingen)
Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR (near McAllen)
Santa Ana NWR (near McAllen)
Contact:
http://volunteers.fws.gov
Nancy_Brown@fws.gov
(956)784-7632
Nancy C. Brown, Public Outreach Specialist
World Birding Centers/State Parks
Description: Volunteers can serve as docents, park hosts, presenters, office workers, and in the field, assisting with revegetation, bird counts or species surveys, and more.
General Contact:
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/
(956) 585-1107
World Birding Center Headquarters
2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr.
Mission, TX 78572
Locations and Contacts:
Bentsen Rio Grande State Park (Headquarters; near Mission)
Jennifer.Liston@tpwd.state.tx.us
(956) 584-9156 Ext. 254
Edinburg Scenic Wetland
moliva@edinburgwbc.com
(956)381-9922
Estero Llano Grande State Park (near Weslaco)
Jennifer.Liston@tpwd.state.tx.us
(956)565-3919
Harlingen Arroyo Colorado (Hugh Ramsey Nature Park)
jlyssy@myharlingen.us
(956) 427-8871
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
kwolf@hidalgotexas.com
(956) 843-8686
Quinta Mazatlan
gtorres@mcallen.net
(956) 688-3370
Resaca de la Palma State Park (Brownsville)
Jennifer.Liston@tpwd.state.tx.us
956-565-3919
Roma Bluffs
Smokey_cranfill@fws.gov
(956) 849-4930
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
dan@sopadre.com
(956) 761-3005
NABA International Butterfly Park
Description: Local chapter of the National American Butterfly Assoc. Volunteers can help with maintaining grounds, assist at festivals, and with butterfly counts.
Contact:
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/index.html
P.O. Box 878
Mission, Texas 78574-0878
(956) 583-9009
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
Description: Volunteers assist in the visitors’ center, help maintain the grounds, and work with staff on other activities.
Contact:
www.nps.gov/paal
(956)541-2785
1623 Central Blvd., Suite 213
Brownsville, TX 78520
Sabal Palm Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Description: Volunteers may help with school programs, interpretive activities, and in maintaining the habitat of this 557 acre Audubon sanctuary.
Contact:
http://tx.audubon.org/Sabal.html
(956)541-8034
Southmost Rd.
Brownsville, TX
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Description: Volunteers help with maintenance, caring for injured turtles, and presenting programs. Trained volunteers can assist in patrolling beached for sea turtle nests.
Contact:
http://www.seaturtleinc.com/
seaturtleinc@yahoo.com
(956)761-4511
6617 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, TX 78597
Child-Oriented
Boy Scouts of America, Rio Grande Council
http://www.riograndecouncil.org/
(956)423-0250
6912 West Expressway 83
Harlingen, TX 78552
Boys & Girls Clubs
Description: Organized activities for girls and boys in a supervised setting. Programs include character and leadership, sports, health, and career & education.
Locations & Contacts:
www.bgca.org
800-854-CLUB (2582)
Harry Nigro Unit, Harlingen, (956)428-4183
Lemoyne Gardens Unit, Harlingen, (956)425-2257
Los Vecinos Unit, Harlingen, (956)423-7005
Bonita Park Unit, Harlingen, (956)428-7816
Combes , (956)428-2544
San Benito, (956)361-6442
Los Fresnos, (956)233-1102
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates
Description: After background check and 30 hours of training, volunteers average 10 hours a month advocating for one child who is the victim of abuse and neglect. Ongoing supervision and support are provided.
Contact:
www.nationalcasa.org
www.texascasa.org
Cameron and Willacy Counties, (956)546-6546
Hidalgo County, (956)381-0346
Children’s Museum of Brownsville
Description: Assist staff with maintaining museum, interacting with children, and preparing for workshops and other events.
Contact:
www.cmofbrownsville.com
(956)547-6885 Volunteer Coordinator
(956)547-9300
501 Ringgold
Brownsville, TX 78520
Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas
http://www.gsgst.org/
(800)477-2688
(956)425-2388
202 E. Madison
Harlingen, Texas 78550
Ronald Mac Donald House
Description: Help needed with fundraising, assisting families, maintaining facilities, cleaning, hosting an event (birthday parties, pizza parties), decorating for Holidays, etc.
Contact:
www.rmhc.org
(956-412-7200)
1720 Treasure Hills Boulevard
Harlingen, TX 78550
Local School Districts
Many school districts have volunteer opportunities during and after school: helping in the office, serving as a mentor, helping students with reading or math, preparing materials for teachers, and tutoring. A background check will be required. Some programs may require training. Contact your local school or district.
CAMERON COUNTY
Brownsville ISD
www.bisd.us
(956) 548-8000
1900 PRICE RD
BROWNSVILLE, TX 78521-2417
Harlingen CISD
www.harlingen.isd.tenet.edu
(956) 430-9500
407 N 77 SUNSHINE STRIP
HARLINGEN, TX 78550
La Feria ISD
www.laferiaisd.net
(956) 797-2612
203 E OLEANDER
LA FERIA, TX 78559-1159
LOS FRESNOS CISD
www.lfcisd.net
(956) 233-4407
600 MESQUITE LN
LOS FRESNOS, TX 78566
POINT ISABEL ISD
www.pi-isd.net
(956) 943-0005
101 PORT RD
PORT ISABEL, TX 78578-2433
RIO HONDO ISD
www.riohondoisd.net
(956) 748-1000
215 W COLORADO
RIO HONDO, TX 78583-0220
SAN BENITO CISD
www.sanbenito.k12.tx.us
(956) 361-6115
240 N CROCKETT ST
SAN BENITO, TX 78586-4608
SANTA MARIA ISD
(956) 565-6308
OLD MILITARY HWY 281
SANTA MARIA, TX 78592-0448
SANTA ROSA ISD
www.santarosaisd.org
(956) 636-9800 ext. 102
HWY 107 & CRUZ ST
SANTA ROSA, TX 78593-0368
SOUTH TEXAS ISD
www.stisd.net
(956) 514-4216
100 MED HIGH DR
MERCEDES, TX 78570-9702
HIDALGO COUNTY
DONNA ISD
www.donnaisd.net
(956) 464-1600
116 N 10TH ST
DONNA, TX 78537-2799
EDCOUCH-ELSA ISD
(956) 262-6000
920 W SANTA ROSA AVE
EDCOUCH, TX 78538-0127
EDINBURG CISD
www.ecisd.us
(956) 289-2300
411 N 8TH ST
EDINBURG, TX 78541
HIDALGO ISD
www.hidalgo-isd.com
(956) 843-4405
324 E FLORA ST
HIDALGO, TX 78557-3004
MCALLEN ISD
www.mcallenisd.org
(956) 618-6000
2000 N 23RD ST
MCALLEN, TX 78501-2000
MERCEDES ISD
www.misdtx.net
(956) 514-2000
206 E 6TH ST
MERCEDES, TX 78570-3504
MISSION CISD
www.mcisd.net
(956) 323-5500
1201 BRYCE DR
MISSION, TX 78572-4399
PHARR-SAN JUAN-ALAMO ISD
www.psja.k12.tx.us/
(956) 702-5600
601 E KELLY
PHARR, TX 78577
PROGRESO ISD
www.progreso-isd.net
(956) 565-3002 ext. 300
F M RD 1015
PROGRESO, TX 78579-0610
SHARYLAND ISD
www.sharylandisd.org
(956) 580-5200
1106 N SHARY RD
MISSION, TX 78572-4652
LA JOYA ISD
www.lajoyaisd.com/
(956) 580-5441
201 E EXPY 83
LA JOYA, TX 78560-2009
WESLACO ISD
www.wisd.us
(956) 969-6500
319 W 4TH ST
WESLACO, TX 78596-6047
LA VILLA
www.lavillaisd.org
(956) 262-4755
500 E 9TH ST
LA VILLA, TX 78562-0009
MONTE ALTO ISD
www.montealtoisd.org
(956) 262-1381
25149 1ST ST
MONTE ALTO, TX 78538-9719
VALLEY VIEW ISD
(956) 843-3025
9701 S JACKSON RD
PHARR, TX 78577
WILLACY COUNTY
LASARA ISD
www.lasaraisd.net
(956) 642-3598
6160 E SIXTH ST
LASARA, TX 78561
LYFORD CISD
www.lyfordcisd.net
(956) 347-3900
8204 SIMON GOMEZ BLVD
LYFORD, TX 78569-9999
RAYMONDVILLE ISD
www.raymondvilleisd.org
(956) 689-8176 ext: 4100
ONE BEARKAT BLVD
RAYMONDVILLE, TX 78580-3351
SAN PERLITA ISD
www.spisd.org
(956) 248-5563
E HWY 186 1 MILE N FM 2209
SAN PERLITA, TX 78590-0037
Humane Societies/Animal Shelters
Facilities need help in caring for the animals, maintaining the facilities, foster pet care, adoptions, fund raising, and more.
Cameron County Animal Shelter
(956)247-3599
Corner of FM 510 &
San Jose Ranch Road
San Benito, Texas 78586
Humane Society of Harlingen
(956)425-7297
1106 Markowsky Ave
Harlingen, TX 78550-4113
Humane Society of the Upper Valley
(956)686-1141
2501 W Trenton Rd
Edinburg, TX 78539-5070
Laguna Madre Humane Society
(956)943-5647
262 Woody Ln
Port Isabel, TX 78578-2482
Lower Valley Humane Society
(956)544-0414
1845 N Expressway
Brownsville, Texas 78526
Palm Valley Animal Center
(956)686-1141
2501 W. Trenton Rd
Edinburg, TX 78539
South Texas Animal Sanctuary
(956)969-5989
1505 N. Conway Avenue
Mission, Texas 78572
Weslaco Humane Society
(956)968-1717
1421 E Pike Blvd
Weslaco, TX
Libraries
Alamo Public Library (Lalo Arcaute Public Library), (956)787-6161
Brownsville Public Library, (956)548-1055
Brownsville Southmost Branch, (956)548-1055
La Feria Public Library (Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Library), (956)797-1242
Donna Public Library, (956)464-2221
Edinburg Public Library (Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library), (956)383-6246
Elsa Public Library, (956)262-3061
Los Fresnos Public Library (Ethel Whipple Memorial Library), (956)233-5330
Harlingen Public Library, (956)216-5810
Hidalgo Public Library, (956)843-2093
Laguna Vista Public Library, (956)943-7155
La Joya Public Library, (956)581-4533
McAllen Memorial Library, (956)688-3300
McAllen Lark Branch Library, (956)688-3320
McAllen Palm View Branch, (956)688-3322
Mercedes Memorial Library, (956)565-2371
Mission Public Library (Speer Memorial Library), (956)580-8750
Pharr Memorial Library, (956)787-3966
Port Isabel Public Library, (956)943-1822
Raymondville Public Library (Reber Memorial Library), (956)689-2930
Rio Hondo Public Library, (956)748-3322
San Benito Public Library, (956)361-3860
San Juan Public Library, (956)702-0926
Weslaco Public Library, (956)968-4533
Museums
Brownsville Heritage Museum
http://www.brownsvillehistory.org/
(956)541-5560
1325 East Washington Street
Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
http://www.brownsvillemfa.org/
(956)542.0941
660 E. Ringgold St
Brownsville, TX 7
Donna Hooks Fletcher Museum
(956)464-9989
318 S Main St
Donna, TX
Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum
www.myharlingen.us/harlingen_museum.htm
(956)216-4901
2425 Boxwood St.
Harlingen, TX
Historic Brownsville Museum
http://www.brownsvillemuseum.org/
(956)548-1313
641 E. Madison
Brownsville, TX
International Museum of Art and Science
http://www.imasonline.org/
(956)682-1564
1900 Nolana Ave.
McAllen, TX
Iwo Jima Museum
www.mma-tx.org
(956)421-9234
320 Iwo Jima Blvd.
Harlingen, TX
Museum of South Texas History
http://www.mosthistory.org/
(956) 383-6911
121 E. McIntyre
Edinburg, TX
San Benito Historical Society Museum
(956)399-9991
210 E. Heywood
San Benito, TX
Weslaco Museum
(956)968-9142
515 S. Kansas
Weslaco, TX
Helping Others
Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc., (956)423-1014
RGV Food Bank, (956)682-8101
Brownsville Adult Literacy Center Council, Inc., (956)542-8080
Harlingen Literacy Center, (956)428-8883
South Texas Adult Resource and Training Center (San Benito Literacy Center), (956)361-9090
Hospice Programs, Adult Day Care Centers, Assisted Living Centers, Nursing Homes, Senior Centers
Description: Volunteer opportunities can include playing games or reading to a patient. If you have a talent to share or can teach arts and crafts or lead a class, you might just find a great audience at one of these programs.
Contact:
Check the listings for these programs in this Guide and call the program nearest you
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons
Description: Assist others with driver safety or filing taxes. Website includes links and other information about additional volunteer experiences.
Contact:
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/
http://www.aarp.org/states/tx/
866-227-7443 (toll-free)
Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/services/volunteer/0,1082,0_325_,00.html
http://www.southtexasredcross.org
(956)423-0523
6914 W. Expressway 83
Harlingen, TX 78552
Rio Grande State Center
Description: RGSC is an inpatient and outpatient program for adults with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Volunteers assist with daily programs, social activities, fund raising, and special projects, such as landscaping, nature trail maintenance, or facilities improvements.
Contact:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhhospitals/RioGrandeSC/RGSC_CommRelations.shtm
(956) 364-8430 Community Relations/Volunteers
1401 Rangerville Rd.
Harlingen, TX 78552
Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmytexas.org/salvationarmytexas/
201 E Monroe Ave
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956)423-2454
United Way
http://volunteer.unitedway.org/
(956)423-5945
US Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on Aging
Description: Website describes and provides links to a variety of volunteer programs which target the senior population, including SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), The National Senior Service Corps (Senior Corps), Senior Medicare Patrol, Older Americans Act Programs, and more.
Contact:
www.aoa.gov/eldfam/Volunteer_Opps/Volunteer_Opps.asp
Chambers of Commerce/Visitors Bureaus
City of San Juan Tourist Bureau, (956)783-9957
|
