Austin charities for kids to volunteer?

I am looking for an Austin Texas charity to intriduce my 3 year old son to the concept of charitable giving over the holiday time. Instead of a food drive or just giving money, I'd like to take him somewhere where we can bring items right to the people or kids - I want to make it more personal and "real." Any ideas?

How about the Autism Awareness Foundation? They are always looking for helpers!

Lived in Austin a while... Salvation Army. Have him help serve on the soup line. Or, pass out coats or, donate them.

Have you heard of the Christmas Bureau? Terrific org. They are a clearing house for families in need this holiday season.

The way it works is as follows:
1. You go to their location (usually in Northcross Mall) and look through their list of families in need. They are broken down by zipcode and family size.
2. Pick a family. By adopting the family, you are committing to providing a meal (ready to cook) for the family, but you can also do additional things, if you desire. An adult has filled out the form with the names, ages, and genders of the people in the household, as well as some information about their situation [like why they need help].
3. Call the family, (don't say you are a sponsor) and ask questions. CONFIRM THE NAMES, AGES, and GENDERS of the children, as well as the spelling of their names. What do they need? What sizes? Any special requests or needs? 4. Set a delivery date and time with the family, and get directions.
5. Go shop for the family.
6. Take the items you have bought to the family. (This is the most amazing part.)

We have done this for several years. We have usually provided a meal, plus some toys and clothes. We wrap the presents. We usually give some disposable cameras to the adults. We also give everyone in the family personal care items, like toothbrushes and toothpaste, and by socks and underwear for the kids. In the past, for a couple of families in very dire straits, we've even bought a bike, and shoes. We try to get a set of clothes for each child.

Another suggestion that does not take as much time (or money) is Blue/Brown Santa. They have days where you can come, bring your donations, and even wrap gifts. This is a good experience too.

Either one of these is a good way for a child to think about what they have, and what they typically get, and see that some people don't have any toys for christmas. Seeing kids pick out toys for other kids is really amazing; they take so much time, and really think about what they think the child would want.

Websites:
http://www.cbofaustin.org/
http://www.bluesanta.org/
http://www.brownsanta.org/

Good luck!