Looking for volunteer opportunities in Central Austin? Check out our list of 26 nonprofits looking for volunteers or donations this season.

Central Texas Food Bank
The hunger-relief nonprofit works to provide access to nutritious food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area.

• Sample activities: preparing afterschool meals, sorting products in the warehouse and harvesting produce in the garden, assisting with one of 40 mobile pantry distributions
• Donations accepted: monetary gifts, food donations
• 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

• Sample activities: planning an event or program, dropping off donations, helping celebrate CARY graduations, supporting service learning projects and field trips
• Donations accepted: monetary gifts, sponsorships
• 3710 Cedar Street, Box 23, Austin

Footwear store Allways Barefoot opened Nov. 1 in Austin.

The details: The store sells a variety of minimalist shoes designed to mimic walking barefoot to better support mobility, posture and balance. Footwear brands sold include Vivobarefoot, Xero Shoes, Vibram Five Fingers, Luna Sandals, Adama, Groundies and Magical Shoes, and are available in mens, womens and childrens sizes. 

Other accessories sold include massage balls, socks and shoelaces. 

• 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 290, Austin

Prototype Vintage, also found off South Congress Avenue, will soon be offering vintage clothing and accessories in Austin’s North Loop neighborhood.

Staying local: The upcoming opening of the shop’s second location also marks 20 years for the business, co-owned by local best friends Audrie San Miguel and Emily Larson.

The new location is opening in what was Neu Appliances and will be alongside other local businesses offering vintage including Blue Velvet and Room Service Vintage. San Miguel acquired Room Service in the summer, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The grand opening: Prototype will open Dec. 6 and celebrate with an opening party. Austinites can enjoy a DJ, drinks, treats, prizes and more the day the new store opens.

What they're saying: “We’re so excited to branch out to the legendary North Loop strip,” San Miguel said in a news release. “We’re honored to be among other legacy Austin businesses and we will fight to keep the independent vibe of the neighborhood strong."

• 123 E. North Loop Blvd., Austin

Austin’s annual New Year’s event with Visit Austin has made some upgrades to this year’s experience with a drone show and expanded media coverage from national outlets.

What to know: Community members can check out headliners The Head and the Heart, who will be joined by local musicians Chaparelle, Tameca Jones and The Point. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the experience with bites from local food trucks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages and a drone show. 

Presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, the drone show will be a first in Austin’s New Year’s celebration and will kick off the lighting of the downtown skyline with a fireworks finale. As part of their national New Year’s Eve coverage, CNN will broadcast live from Austin.

Stay tuned: The city will share the full lineup of artists in December. Individuals looking to attend the event can also expect transportation and general event tips to be posted on the website in the near future.

• Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell lifted the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County on Nov. 25.

The ban had been in place since September due to the excessive temperatures and dry conditions that hit Central Texas this summer.

After an exceptionally dry start to the fall, conditions have improved recently with rain and adequate humidity levels, lowering the immediate wildfire risk throughout the county, a news release states.

Also of note: Even with outdoor burning now allowed, residents are advised to remain careful and aware of potential fire dangers. Officials urge residents to keep water nearby in case a fire spreads and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

Travis County residents can receive text alerts about burn ban status by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.