Thank you for subscribing to Plugged In, the volunteer update & opportunity newsletter from the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas. Read on to find out how you can get involved and have an impact on our community. Contact Alyson for information on any of the postings or to create community involvement activities for your company.
Community
involvement opportunities are divided into the following color-coded
categories. Click on an organization's name to be taken to its posting.
Postings are hyperlinked to the organization's website.
Upcoming Events
Individual Volunteer Opportunities
Group Volunteer Opportunities
In-Kind Donations Appreciated |
| EF: Green Saturday
|
EF launches a new environmental stewardship volunteer
opportunity - Green Saturday. Hi-tech employees and their families
convene to enjoy a day outdoors in service to the environment. Green Saturdays
are held the 3rd Saturday of every month and consist of a variety of
activities such as trail building and maintenance, cleaning, and planting and
harvesting veggies on a local organic farm. Saturday, May 17th 9am - noon: EF partners with Austin
Parks Foundation to beautify Pease Park.
Contact Alyson by e-mail or by calling 512-482-8894! Refer to posting below for more information. |
AIDS Service of Austin (ASA)
|
The AIDS Service of Austin (ASA) is Central Texas primary provider of
social services, education and support for persons with HIV/AIDS, as
well as prevention outreach activities to help stop the further spread
of HIV. We serve almost 1,500 HIV-infected persons annually, by having
lots of volunteer assistance.
Individual Opportunities:
ASAs Food Bank is a great way to meet other volunteers in a friendly,
active environment while immediately helping people with HIV/AIDS.
Food Bank Stockers: process bulk foodstuffs and fresh foods; stock & organize the grocery shelves. Available the 2nd & 4th Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday mornings of each month, 10:00am-1:00pm.
Food Bank Distributors: fill food orders, sack groceries, and assist clients with their shopping.
For either activity, regular bi-weekly shifts (2-4 hrs) and six month minimum commitment are requested. For more information about this or other volunteer opportunities visit our website!
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| ALS Association |
The
ALS Association South Texas Chapter is the only nationally affiliated
not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight
against ALS. The South Texas Chapter covers all the bases - research,
patient and community services, public education, and advocacy - in
providing help and hope to those facing the disease in 93 South Texas
counties. The mission of The ALS Association is to find a cure for and improve living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunities:The ALS Association has several opportunities to volunteer, such as the The Walk to D'feet ALS, special events, office help, and fundraising! The ALS Association South Texas has volunteer opportunities for individuals, small and corporate groups requiring a maximum of 10-12 hours.
We are continuously looking for Walk Committee members, Corporate
Recruitment Chairs, and In-Kind Sponsors for The Walk to D'feet ALS and
silent auctions. For more information on The Walk to D'feet ALS
and other upcoming events please visit our website!
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| Austin Children's Shelter |
Austin Children's Shelter (ACS) provides
emergency shelter, food, clothing, cognitive and emotional evaluation
and counseling, medical and dental care, on-site preschool,
after-school tutoring, academic enrichment activities, and supervisory care for approximately 300 abused and neglected children per year.
Children remain at the Austin Children's Shelter for 14-90 days while
the legal system determines appropriate guardianship and custodial
care. Most children transition into the foster care.
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunities: There are both group and individual volunteer opportunities at ACS. ACS volunteers are asked to make a commitment of 4 hours per week and
give one-on-one attention to the children in our care through talking,
playing games, helping with homework and chaperoning outings. One time,
group volunteer opportunities are flexible and ACS staff can work with your company and employees to create a memorable activity for everyone. Please visit our website today! |
Austin Habitat for Humanity
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Saturdays are the special day when hundreds of community supporters get together to meet our goal of Austin Habitat for Humanity needs your lunch! eliminating poverty housing one family at a time by constructing new homes, participating in Brush with Kindness, and supporting the DeConstruction program.
Individual andGroup Volunteer Opportunities: Our volunteers work hard and they need to be fed! We seek lunch providers for groups of 35. Individuals, groups, and organizations are all welcome to participate! Volunteer lunch sponsors: 3 hours each occurance. For more information contact Sarah or visit our website!
Feeling destructive? Volunteers are needed for the Austin Habitat for Humanity DeConstruction program.
This environmentally focused program diverts hundreds of tons of
salvageable building materials from our local landfills and makes
affordable home improvement supplies available to the public through
our ReStores. No experience necessary, individuals and groups are
welcome. DeConstruction Volunteer: 7 hours each occurrence (1 full day). For more information contact Sarah!
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| Big Brothers Big Sisters |
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas - calling Male Mentors!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas needs more men to make more
matches. Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently enrolling male
mentors in our community-based program. In this program the volunteer spends time with his Little Brother 3 times a month for a minimum of a year.
Big Brothers spend time with their Little Brother doing everyday things
like throwing a football, going fishing, playing video games, or just
hanging-out. Please visit our website for more information about getting involved. Encourage your friends too! View our latest PSA by clicking here: Troy Aikman PSA |
| Breast Cancer Resource Center |
Upcoming Events: You are invited to the first collaborative forum on breast care health services in Williamson County, Texas! Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Texas State Round Rock Higher Education Center (1555 University Boulevard, Round Rock, Texas 78665). Directions Here! Conference fee of $15.00 includes lunch and program materials. Limited Seating - Registration Required - Scholarships Available. The
Williamson County Breast Health Forum is open to anyone with an
interest in bridging the gap in breast health services in the
Williamson County area. Join us as we collaborate, advocate and share
resources to give every woman with breast cancer the care they need -
and hope - for a healthy future.
Forum Highlights:
Williamson
County United Way - Bride Roberts, Williamson County & Cities
Health District - Ann Kitchens, Indigent Care Collaborative - Ginny
Thompson, Partnership Program Manager, NCI's Cancer Information Service
Navigating the Breast & Cervical Cancer CS for Access to Care - Kenya Johnson, TX Dept. of State Health Services -
Lydia Perez, Community Action, Inc. Panel Discussion: Roadblocks and Reality - Treating the Uninsured
For more information and to register contact Marjorie!
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| Cancer Connection |
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: Cancer Connection, is always looking for volunteers to help provide emotional support
to those receiving cancer treatment in various Seton and St. David's
hospitals in the Austin area and in infusion rooms at Texas Oncology
and Southwest Regional Cancer Center.
In addition to hospital and oncology center service, Cancer Connection also needs volunteers to participate in one-on-one mentoring/matching with newly diagnosed cancer patients and caregivers.
Because volunteers are survivors and loved ones of those who had
cancer, they personify hope and encouragement by offering a listening
ear to someone who is now walking a similar path. Cancer Connection's next volunteer training will be held June 13 - 14, 2008.
The training is 10 hours all together. After this month, hours will
vary depending upon diagnosis matched, programs elected, and
volunteer's schedule flexibility. To join the growing network of cancer
survivors and loved ones, please apply online.
Group Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to help at Health Fairs and fund-raising events to help spread the word about our services to the public
In-Kind Donations Appreciated:
· Small gift items for hospital visits such as knitted caps, cross word puzzles, and small picture frames, etc.
· Printing Services
· Car or boat (to be auctioned by Cancer Connection)
· New Computer and printer
· Digital camera with accompanying software and accessories
Visit our website for more information!
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| Capital Area Food Bank of Texas |
15th Annual NALC Stamp Out Hunger: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 The Stamp Out Hunger drive is a nationwide effort to provide food to
local food banks and pantries, which would otherwise have depleted
stocks during the summer months, to help feed the hungry on a daily
basis. The nation's 230,000 letter carriers will be collecting food donations
in more than 10,000 local communities and delivering them to food bank
members of America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network and
other hunger relief organizations.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: Donations come into the Food Bank and we utilize adult volunteers (16 years old and older) to help sort the donations. Below is the schedule for this two day PR event:
Saturday: 5-7:30 p.m. 7-10 p.m.
Sunday: 11am-2pm, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Location: CAFB, 8201 South Congress, Austin 78745
Volunteers Requested: 55 adult volunteers (16 years old and older) per shift
Volunteer Role: Help sort, inspect and box the food donations in our Product Recovery area.
To get scheduled, please contact Kirra Hamman.
Visit our website for more information.
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Catholic Charities of Central Texas
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CATHOLIC
CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS (a nonprofit organization that works to
strengthen individuals, families and communities through direct
services, community collaboration and social justice advocacy) IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR ITS FOOD PANTRY! Catholic
Charities Food Pantry is open every Friday morning and serves
approximately 100 families each week. They operate on a "client
choice" model. Clients are given a 7-10 days of healthy,
nutritious food which includes meat, dairy, and fresh produce.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to assist with the following:
· Work in the Food Pantry distributing food/assisting clients - Volunteer hours are Fridays, 10:15-12:15
· Replenish the Pantry shelves after distribution is over - Volunteer hours are Fridays, 2-4pm
· Stock the Pantry shelves with the weekly food order - Volunteer hours are Thursdays, 10-noon
· Data entry - Volunteer hours are flexible - average 2 hrs/wk.
For more information, visit the website.
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| Center for Child Protection
|
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunities:
Project Graduation:
A Volunteer Opportunity Helping Foster Care Children. Help the Center
for Child Protection in its mission to provide intervention services to
victims of child abuse. Volunteer to assemble "Life Kits" for teenagers who are aging out of foster care in Travis County.
Once these teens turn 18, many of them must begin a new life for
themselves without the benefit of family support. To address this
need, the Center has collected basic household items, a "Life Kit", for
about 80 teens to start them on the path to success.
When: Join us on Friday, May 9th, anytime between 9 am and 4 pm
Where: Center for Child Protection
1110 East 32nd Street/Austin, TX 78722
What:
Volunteers will assist in taking bulk supplies that have been purchased
and dividing them into individual, personalized "Life Kits". Snacks and drinks will be provided.
If interested in helping this worthwhile cause, contact Sarah Richards,
Volunteer Coordinator. For more information about the Center for
Child Protection or Project Graduation, please visit our website.
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| EF: Green Saturday
|
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunities:
We'll be working on two projects:1) Spreading mulch. We have a big mulch pile on one
spot that we'll be spreading in the general area in order to beautify Pease
Park. We'll provide shovels, wheelbarrows and rakes.
2) If the mulch is too wet (if it rains just before the
project), we'll do some invasive (non-native) tree trimming in the same general
area.
We'll also get to see the demo plots that have recently been
installed and the 50 new trees that were planted.
When: Saturday, May 17th 9am-noon
Where: We'll be meeting and working at Pease Park,
just south of 24th St/Windsor, at the parking lot on Parkway. To get to
the meeting point from Mopac, take the Windsor Exit and head east up and over
the hill, heading down to the intersection of Lamar, just before you cross the
bridge over Shoal Creek, turn right into Parkway. 200 hundreds down on the left
side, there is a parking lot where we'll meet. You can also park alongside
the road. Charlie McCabe, Executive Director of the Austin Parks
Foundation, has red Ford Ranger truck and will be waiting with tools.
What to bring: Water bottle, gloves, wear
clothes you don't mind getting dirty and closed toed shoes. We'll provide
tools, jugs with water to refill your bottles and instruction.
Heavy rain / severe weather will cancel the workday.
Charlie's cell phone: 512.965.1960
Alyson's cell phone: 281.224.3971
RSVP: Please let Alyson know how many people you expect
to attend by May 13th: Alyson@givetoaustin.org |
Foundation Communities
|
Individual Volunteer Opportunities:
Job Coach:
A Job Coach helps residents learn and understand the skill set and
approach needed to find and pursue job opportunities in the community.
Empowering residents with these skills means long-term success.
Skills and Engagement Classes:
Volunteers will engage residents through a series of teaching and hands
on based activities ranging from cooking classes to trade/skills
seminars. This position offers volunteers the opportunity
to share what they know and love with others and provides
residents with fun, productive on site activities.
Community Resources Researcher: Many of our residents qualify for community resources that could greatly benefit them in their everyday life and as they
build
towards their future. Work with a team of other volunteers to help
residents discover and access these programs. Great opportunity for
creative volunteers with a "Go get it" attitude!
The time commitment for these three listings is 3 months, two one-hour shifts per month. The scheduling is flexible depending on the needs and availability of the volunteer! For information on volunteering contact
Christopher Alberts. Visit our website!
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| Junior Achievement Central Texas |
Make a Difference in the Education of Central Texas Children!
Individual Volunteer Opportunities:
What: Facilitate JA Elementary School Programs in a classroom environment.
How:
Become a Junior Achievement Classroom Volunteer by completing a JA
Application and attending a one hour JA Volunteer Training. Choose from
over 44 schools throughout Central Texas!
When: Volunteer 5 hours in the classroom through either:
· JA in a Day - volunteers commit to teach 5 lessons between 8am and 2pm on a set day. (Events on 5/5, 5/9, 5/14, 5/16, 5/28, 5/30)
· Traditional program - volunteers work directly with JA approved schools and teachers to plan 5 visits through the course of one semester.
Why:
To provide basic community, business and economic awareness skills to
the children in your community through JA curriculum and your
expertise!
For more information and to sign up today please contact Christine Kempff or visit our website!
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| Lifeworks |
Help a Youth in Crisis. LifeWorks
and the 10,000 youth and families we serve each year depend on generous
participation and support from community members in order to carry out
our mission. Our mission is to transition youth and families from crisis to safety and success.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities:
LifeWorks offers a myriad of individual volunteer opportunities ranging
from tutoring and mentoring to data entry and life skills training. The time commitment is flexible upon availability of volunteer and duration depends on the opportunity.
Group Volunteer Opportunities:
LifeWorks offers many group opportunities ranging from landscaping to
event preparation. LifeWorks has a history of successfully
collaborating with large groups including; companies, churches, other
charitable organizations. Time commitment varies depending on specific project. They range from one day projects to extended commitments.
- Organizing an in-kind donation drive: A rewarding way to get your
family, friends, co-workers, neighborhood, civic group or school
involved in helping teenagers and families in crisis. There are many
drive options such as: baby shower, backpack and canned food drives.
Visit here for a complete listing of donation drives.
Visit our website to see a comprehensive list
of all the ways you can personally further LifeWorks' mission.
In-Kind Donations Appreciated:
In-kind contributions directly benefit over 10,000 people each year
through various LifeWorks programs and services. A detailed wish list
can be viewed here.
| |
| March of Dimes |
Upcoming Events: WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes largest fundraising event has been renamed to March for Babies. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy
and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March
for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by
preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the
latest resources and information, visit our website! March for Babies in Austin will be held: May 10, 2008, Auditorium Shores, 10am Start Time, 4 Mile Walk
This
year we are excited to have Austin Area Mazda Dealers and SONIC as our
Presenting Sponsors. Other top tier sponsors include: HEB, Texas
Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership, Dell and Farmers Insurance. For more information about March for Babies, or to register to participate at Auditorium Shores on May 10th, visit the website!
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Open My World
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Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)3 organization located in Leander, Texas. The focus is to serve special needs children from ages 5-14
in Leander and surrounding areas. The mission of this organization is:
1) To improve the quality of life of children with special needs
including physical and emotional handicapping conditions; 2) Provide a
safe and structured riding program; 3) Encourage personal achievement
and increase their self-esteem; 4) Assist students to develop and reach
their individual goals. The center includes not only the therapy while
on horseback, but a petting zoo and a sensory trail is also offered as
part of the children's experience while at Open My World.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities:
Opportunities for volunteers include; working directly with the
children and livestock (some hands on training is required); working on
matenance of the sensory trail and petting zoo areas; helping to design
and construct items for an enviromental study.Volunteers are asked to commit to 2 - 4 hours per week. Please visit the website!
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| PeopleFund |
PeopleFund is a nonprofit financial institution dedicated to creating
economic opportunity in low income communities. We help people: build healthy small businesses, purchase safe and affordable homes, and
achieve financial security and independence, to build a prosperous Central Texas region.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: PeopleFund currently has volunteer opportunities in the Entrepreneurial Development program
for volunteers/mentors with experience in marketing, law, finance and
accounting, and website development. Volunteers will be paired
with PeopleFund's small business owners/entrepreneurs who are looking
to increase their business skills and grow their overall level of
business sophistication. Volunteer
projects vary from simple one-time engagements taking a few hours to
ongoing mentorship projects lasting a few weeks and requiring from 2-5
hours per week. To find out more about PeopleFund's volunteer opportunities contact Brad or visit the website.
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Project Transitions
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Project Transitions is a local nonprofit that provides hospice care and transitional housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in Central Texas.
Individual and Group Volunteer Opportunities:
1. Top Drawer Volunteers -Volunteers work in the store from 10:00AM-7:00PM, Monday through Saturday. There is a 1 1/2 hour orientation. Great for groups and individuals.
2. Doug's House Volunteers - We have volunteers who act as caregivers in our AIDS hospice. All volunteers make a weekly commitment and go through a three part orientation.
3. Supper Clubs
-Groups can provide food and cook dinner for the residents at one of
our transitional housing complex. There is a shorter orientation for
this opportunity.
4. Event Volunteers - Texas Swing on Friday, June 6th is looking for volunteers to help with various tasks. Shifts go from 8am-2am. Groups/individuals are welcome.
Please visit our website to sign-up and for more information!
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| Samaritan Center |
For over 30 years the Samaritan
Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care has been saving lives, healing
emotional wounds and providing hope to Central Texas families.
We serve children, adolescents, adults and the geriatric population
with offices in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown and San Marcos.
Reduced fees are available for those who qualify.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer therapists; office assistants; special event planners for
fall golf tournament and capital campaign events; public speakers;
capital campaign and board committee members; graphic designer;
interior designers to decorate new building in late 2008.
Upcoming Events: Wednesday, May 7, is the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Samaritan Center's
new building at 8956 Research Blvd. From 9 - 11 a.m., Volunteers can
help with parking, set-up and the reception following the
groundbreaking. Please contact Heidi Gibbons.
In-Kind Donations Appreciated:
Printing, office supplies, computer equipment, educational toys for
play therapy center, children's books and magazines, office furniture.
Visit our website for more information!
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Skillpoint Alliance Community Technology Training Centers
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Community Technology Training Centers is a non-profit organization that offers free computer classes to adults in the community.
Individual Volunteer Opportunities: Skillpoint Alliance
Community Technology Training Centers needs a volunteer Web Developer!
We need a Web Developer to set up a proxy server and splash page for a
brand new wireless set up. Responsibilities will include writing the
code, set up of proxy server, design of splash page, and set up of
three access points.
Date needed by: We would like this person to be available in June 1st, 2008.
Number of hours: Flexible and dependent upon expertise of volunteer.
Requirements: 2-3 years web design experience. A resume is requisite based on grant requirements.
Contact Info: Email Itza Torrez
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| Susan G. Komen for the Cure |
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Individual andGroup Volunteer Opportunities: The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure seeks individuals and groups to assemble educational keychains that the Affiliate distributes at health fairs and special events year round to raise awareness
of early detection and breast cancer. The various beads represent
the lump sizes an individual would feel for while performing a breast
self exam (BSE). This volunteer project is great for individuals,
small and large groups (and great for all ages too). This project can be performed at work, home, school, etc and the time if flexible. It is an excellent educational volunteer activity and great for team building as well. For more information about volunteering in general or to learn more about this project and other opportunities please contact Lisa Feller. To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure please visit our website.
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The First Tee of Greater Austin
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Group Volunteer Opportunities and Upcoming Events: DO YOU LIKE WORKING WITH KIDS AND ENJOY TEACHING GOLF? The First Tee of Greater Austin is looking for volunteer/mentors that want to be a hands-on role model for kid's ages 5-17 years at our summer golf camps scheduled June-August. There are twelve camps ranging from beginners to Champions players and mentors help teach golf and life skills to children under the direction of a certified golf professional. Please check our website to receive additional information about the camps and mentor hours available.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE!
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The Miracle Foundation
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Upcoming Events: The Miracle Foundation is hosting its 3rd annual walk/run on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Known this year as the "Bulldog Miracle Mile," the event is sponsored in partnership with Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing. This kid-friendly, pet-friendly, one-mile walk/run
begins at the State Capitol and ends on the south side of the Congress
Avenue Bridge. Everyone who registers will receive a Miracle Mile
t-shirt, and all children and pets will receive special superhero
capes. At the end of the walk, enjoy free breakfast tacos from Nuevo
Leon, gelato (Italian ice cream) from Paciugo, and a variety of
children's activities. You will also have an opportunity to get more
information about the Miracle Foundation and the work they are doing to build orphanages and improve the lives of orphaned children in India. Please register online.
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Amanda Chiampi
Program Director
amanda@givetoaustin.org
ph 512.482.8894
fax 512.233.2555
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| Featured Article |
VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE.
GET INVOLVED!
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Austin-area technology companies are joining forces
to provide 3.75 million meals to hungry Central Texans in 2008!
For more information visit the EF website!
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| Featured Article |
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IBM'S WORLD COMMUNITY GRID
More
than 850,000 computer devices have been registered to volunteer
computing time when not in use by their owners. World Community Grid
volunteers are donating an average of 1,100 years of computing time per
week! Help by getting involved!
More information:
click here!
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| Featured Article |
SAVE THE DATE:
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Fall
Service Day
October 10, 2008
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