It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we couldn’t let it pass without recognizing the incredible volunteers who help support our work in so many meaningful ways.
Whether they’re greeting families at the front desk, hanging out with our visiting kids and families in our play area, helping to maintain our experiential therapy areas in the courtyard, or supporting a donation drive, our volunteers are everywhere. And they show up again and again with big hearts and open hands, ready to help however they can.
This past year, 706 volunteers donated more than 12,300 hours of their time to the Center — a powerful reminder of how deeply our community cares about protecting and supporting children.
At the Center for Child Protection, we’re lucky to have two people who live and breathe all things volunteer: Kim Perez, our Volunteer Coordinator, and Miles Eustis, our Corporate Volunteer Associate.
Kim is often the first point of contact for anyone looking to get involved. She helps recruit and coordinate volunteers for all kinds of roles — from behind-the-scenes organizing to hands-on help with the kids we see at the Center each day.
“Volunteers are the heart of what we do,” Kim said. “I love watching people from the community come together to support these kids. Even something as simple as sitting with a child in our waiting area and making bracelets together — that kind of moment sticks with you.”
Miles works with our incredible corporate partners, helping teams roll up their sleeves for group projects or fundraising events. “What I love most is seeing how much impact one group can have,” he said. “A few hours of painting a fence or building birthday boxes may not seem like much — but to our staff and the families we serve, it means everything.”
Volunteers are woven into the rhythm of the Center — offering support, care, and an extra set of hands wherever they’re needed. Some come weekly or biweekly to build connections with kids.
Our Kids’ Closet is regularly maintained by volunteers who help ensure children have access to clothes and essential supplies when they need them most. This vital work means our team can use the closet to gather items for children and families in need. And thanks to our generous community groups, it’s regularly stocked with hygiene kits, birthday boxes, and Black hair care kits — making sure every child feels seen, celebrated, and cared for.
Our PAK Teen volunteers (18 strong this year!) meet monthly to create care packages and cards. We even have host families who volunteer their time to training and caring for our facility dogs when they’re off duty.
From our biggest fundraising events like Dancing with the Stars Austin and PlayBingo, to the quiet moments in the hallway when a child feels seen — our volunteers are an essential part of the magic that makes our mission come to life.
To all our volunteers — thank you for standing with us, showing up with open hearts, and helping make the Center a place of hope and healing.
Interested in getting involved? We’d love to have you!
Check out our current volunteer opportunities at centerforchildprotection.org/volunteer.
VOLUNTEERS MAKING MAGIC
