As the holiday season draws near and students look for something to do after finals, many places around the city of Austin are offering opportunities for donating time and goods, as well as attend fundraisers and holiday events to help spread cheer.

Capital Area Food Bank

The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas has been providing and serving hot meals to families in need for 29 years. There are many ways to help the Food Bank, such as donating food, funds or volunteering at one of the many events put together around the holiday season.

The Alamo Drafthouse is also lending a hand to the food bank by hosting a special screening of the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” which will be shown with a meal. Half of the ticket price will go to the food bank. The event is scheduled at the drafthouse’s South Lamar location on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.

If you are unable to attend this event but still want to help, non-perishable food donations are always accepted at the Capital Area Food Bank on South Congress from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Humane Society

If your charitable inclinations extend beyond humans, the Austin Humane Society is also accepting donations for the holidays. Information for the 2010 Holiday Fund Drive can be found at www.community.austinhumanesociety.org.

Monetary donations are used to provide food, shelter and care for all animals. Pet lovers looking for a more hands-on way to help can volunteer to take care of cats or dogs and help them find new homes.

Wells Branch  Community Library

The Wells Branch Community Library offers many activities for children and volunteer opportunities for adults during the holiday season, such as the Polar Express Pajama Party on Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Children will have snacks, decorate cookies, make crafts, listen to readings of classic Christmas stories and watch the movie “The Polar Express.” Volunteers will set up and run the several tables, assist with the activities.

“Drop-in” volunteers are not accepted, so if this opportunity sounds good, you must apply at the library.

Jingle Bell 5K

Austin has many races over the year, so why not have one during Christmas? One way to beat the chill of the upcoming winter is to run the Jingle Bell 5K on Sunday, Dec. 12.

The race, which will benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will be held at The Domain, located off Mopac and Braker Ln. There is a registration fee of $12 for kids, $30 for a Fun Run, and $35 for a timed run. Snacks, drinks, live music, awards, and pictures with Santa will be provided after the run. To register, go to http://redlicoriceevents.com/events/Jingle_Bell_5k_2010_register.html.

Alamo Drafthouse

Many Austinites also love quote-alongs at the Alamo Drafthouse, but if the interactive “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screenings aren’t your cup of tea, how about quoting Will Ferrell’s “Elf “? The event, which includes a spaghetti-eating contest and a tickle fight in addition to the film, will be held on Dec. 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse on 6th St.

YMCA

Many disadvantaged children are left without any presents during the Christmas season. You can help to give back some Christmas cheer by donating wrapped presents to the local YMCA during the Annual YMCA Children’s Christmas Party Toy Drive.

But if you can’t donate time, the Salvation Army will be outside of stores collecting donations, as they usually do, and there are charities all across Austin looking for funding to help those in need in the holiday season.