Spending the holidays alone can be challenging, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy them and give back to the community of Austin County. As the holiday season approaches, Austinites have opportunities to enjoy the city-wide festivities and contribute to their community.
From partaking in heartwarming events to supporting local initiatives, there are various avenues for receiving and spreading joy to make a positive impact.
SEALY CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY
Local food pantries provide nourishing food year-round, and during the holiday season, the food gets festive. One such resource is the Sealy Christian Food Pantry, open on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Individuals in need have the opportunity to access food provisions at this pantry. It’s worth noting that the pantry remains closed if a fifth Wednesday occurs in the month.
This initiative is housed at LifeBridge Community Church. It reflects the community’s commitment to supporting those who require essential nourishment, ensuring that families and individuals have the means to stock up on food year-round and during the holidays.
SECRET SANTA FOR SENIORS
A meaningful way to support those in need in Austin County is by engaging in initiatives such as “Secret Santa for Seniors.” Participate in programs like “Be a Santa to a Senior,” which offers an opportunity to bring joy to isolated seniors within the community by providing them with thoughtful gifts. To get involved, inquire about participation details at your local senior centers.
Your participation can make a significant difference in brightening the holidays for seniors who may feel isolated and alone.
BLUE SANTA
Spread holiday cheer and make a difference in the lives of kids in need across Austin County by partnering with the local police departments. The Sealy Police Department is running its heartwarming Blue Santa program and invites community members to join the effort.
Convenient toy collection boxes are at various locations, including the Police Department, City Hall, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, All Texas Title, Austin County State Bank, Alan’s Barber Shop, Tony’s Family Restaurant, and Dollar General. By dropping off a new unwrapped toy, individuals can contribute to the program’s success and help bring smiles to children’s faces during the holiday season.
The Wallis PD has actively participated in the Kids, Cops, and Christmas program, which will celebrate its tenth year of spreading joy to the local community.
Support from community members, whether through toy donations, financial contributions, or volunteering time, has been instrumental in maintaining the program’s positive impact.
As another year of festive giving approaches, the collective participation of individuals will undoubtedly continue to make a meaningful difference, embodying the spirit of generosity and unity within the community.
MEALS ON WHEELS
HOA Meals on Wheels of Austin County: HOA Meals on Wheels of Austin County proudly offers a welcoming space for seniors aged 60 and above through its Congregate Meals program at the 915 Frydek Road location in Sealy. This program allows seniors to gather and enjoy nutritious meals in the company of others, fostering a sense of community and engagement. From Monday to Friday, starting at Noon, seniors are invited to join this heartwarming initiative, which provides nourishing meals and includes engaging activities like games, with BINGO sessions held on Fridays. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, reaching out to HOA Meals on Wheels at 979-885-4188 is the first step toward becoming a part of this supportive community.
CONGREGATE MEALS
HOA Meals on Wheels of Austin County offers a valuable nutrition service through its Congregate Meals program, providing nutritious hot meals to seniors aged 60 and above who are not homebound. These meals are available five days a week at designated locations, served at Noon without any specified cost. While participants are encouraged to donate if possible, this is not required to enjoy the nourishing meals and foster community engagement.
HOME-DELIVERED MEALS
The Home-Delivered Meals program extends its support to homebound seniors aged 60 and above who have difficulty preparing their own meals. Through this service, eligible seniors receive hot and nutritious meals delivered directly to their homes five days a week. This program addresses nutritional needs and ensures that seniors with mobility challenges remain connected to the outside world. While there is no obligatory cost, seniors can contribute based on their ability and willingness, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to promoting well-being and independence within the community.
COLORADO VALLEY TRANSIT DISTRICT
The Colorado Valley Transit District operates as an essential rural transit district; CVTD plays a pivotal role in furnishing transit services across a vast four-county expanse of over 3,200 square miles, encompassing the regions surrounding Houston. The CVTD’s service area comprises Austin, Colorado, Waller and Wharton Counties.
Demand-responsive services are a hallmark of CVTD’s offerings, requiring a 24-hour advance notice for scheduling. This service provides the convenience of door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation options, operating from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Additionally, CVTD offers a deviated fixed-route service that includes a LOOP bus route in Bellville and LINK services connecting Sealy, Wallis, San Felipe and beyond.
These services establish vital connections between neighborhoods, downtown businesses, workplaces, healthcare facilities, school campuses, parks and more. Transit Centers located in Bellville, Sealy, San Felipe and Wallis further enable citizens to Park & Ride on the county’s Deviated LINK bus, providing efficient transportation solutions throughout the county and to destinations beyond, all available Monday through Friday.
211 TEXAS
Dialing 211 can connect you with resources and information for various services in Texas, including community events and volunteering opportunities.
AUSTINCOUNTY.COM
Visit the Austin County website for local news, events and resources.
H-E-B FEAST OF SHARING
The H-E-B Feast of Sharing presents a series of joyous gatherings held in November and December, uniting communities across Texas and Mexico by sharing over 250,000 meals during 33 festive dinners.
Brimming with delectable food, uplifting music, and a warm atmosphere, these complimentary holiday feasts serve as heartwarming occasions for families, friends, and neighbors to come together. These events also serve as an avenue for H-E-B to express gratitude to its dedicated customers. H-E-B Feast of Sharing began in 1989, welcoming all to partake in the H-E-B holiday dinner table. This initiative is a vital component of H-E-B’s Food Bank Assistance Program, a year-round endeavor dedicated to combating hunger in the community.
Volunteers are welcome to participate during the feasts.
RESOURCE CONTACTS
- Austin County Sheriff’s Office 979-865-3111
- Bellville Police Department 979-865-3122
- H-E-B Feast of Sharing, HEB.com
- Sealy Christian Food Pantry, 979-885-3866 (LifeBridge Community Church — 2162 FM 2187 Road, Sealy)
- Sealy Police Department, 979-885-2913
- San Felipe Police Department, 979-885-2888
- Wallis Police Department, 979-478-7111
Holly has covered the Austin County area since 2016, being a resident for portions of her young and adult life. When not writing, she spends time with her two young children or writing for her blog, hollyinhouston.com.
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