Serve & Shine: How Your Time Changes Lives in East Texas

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There’s almost nothing more powerful than one person saying, “I’ll show up and help.” When you volunteer, you bring hope, relief, and transformation—not just to others, but to your own heart. This week, I want to highlight a few local places where your time can make a difference—and inspire you to step in.

3 Volunteer Opportunities in East Texas

Here are three great ways to serve, connect, and be part of something that matters:

Organization	What You Can Do	How to Get Started
East Texas Food Bank (Tyler, Longview, etc.)	Helped in the volunteer center: inspected, sorted, repacked food, assembled food kits; assisted in mobile pantry distributions; stocked pantry shelves; and performed other logistics in support of feeding people who are food-insecure. East Texas Food Bank	Go to their website “Donate Time / Volunteer” section. They have registration forms for individuals or groups. Ages 8+ can volunteer (with adult supervision for younger ones). East Texas Food Bank
East Texas Crisis Center	They offer many volunteer roles: peer counseling, children’s services (mentoring/helping kiddos in shelter), hotline work, transportation support, Resale Store “Flamingos”, helping with events, special projects, etc. Requires training for many of the roles. East Texas Crisis Center	Contact them using their volunteer program info: phone (903) 509-2526 or email volunteerprogram@etcc.org. Fill out the application; some roles need a background check/training. East Texas Crisis Center
East Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)	As a CASA volunteer, you get trained and then serve as a voice for children in foster care who have experienced abuse or neglect. Being their advocate in court, ensuring their needs are met, and helping to stabilize their futures. easttexascasa.org	Learn more/volunteer via their website. There is training. Local contact can be reached by phone: (903) 597-7725, or via the CASA site. easttexascasa.org

How to Begin—Simple Steps

1. Pick one opportunity listed above (or another that calls to you).

2. Reach out—fill out an application, attend required training, and commit to a regular schedule if possible. Even a small, consistent habit is powerful.

3. Bring what you have—your gifts, time, heart. Maybe you’re great at listening, organizing, encouraging, or staying kind in challenging moments. All of that will be used.

4. Reflect & share—note what you saw and how you felt after you serve. Share with others. It encourages more people to serve.

East Texas needs you. Not because someone else can’t do the work, but because you have something unique to offer. Your time, care, and presence aren’t small things. They bring light, healing, and hope.

So choose a place. Send the email. Sign up. Show up. Serve. You might change someone’s life—possibly more than one. Maybe even your own.