As the new year dawns, communities across Texas are rallying around a shared purpose: lending a hand to those in need. From the bustling streets of Lubbock to the heart of Longview, local organizations are calling on residents to step up as volunteers, reminding everyone that the spirit of giving is not just for the holidays—it’s a year-round necessity.
In Lubbock, the start of 2026 brings a familiar challenge for Meals on Wheels, the nonprofit that delivers hot meals to homebound residents. According to KCBD, the organization relies on a steady stream of volunteers to deliver approximately 1,000 meals each day across 77 different routes. That’s no small feat, and while the new year often brings a surge of eager helpers—many inspired by resolutions to give back—keeping those volunteers engaged as the months roll on is a perennial struggle.
Nicole Thomas, the volunteer coordinator at Lubbock Meals on Wheels, has seen this pattern play out year after year. “Always in the beginning of the year there are more volunteers, because it will be their resolution to volunteer, but as the year goes it kind of declines because it’s a time commitment and people have other stuff going on, so it’s not at the top of their list,” Thomas told KCBD. The ebb and flow of volunteer numbers means the organization is constantly recruiting, hoping to find those who will stick with it for the long haul.
While drivers are in highest demand—after all, someone has to get those meals to the people who need them—Thomas notes that there’s plenty of work to go around. Volunteers can help in the kitchen, pitch in at special events, lend a hand in the office, or even just carry out coolers. But the lifeblood of the operation, she emphasizes, is the team of drivers who crisscross Lubbock’s neighborhoods every day.
But what’s in it for the volunteers? As Thomas describes it, a lot more than just a sense of duty. “A lot of our volunteers come early and just hang out; there’s a sense of camaraderie and lifelong friendships are made here, it’s always a good time,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like work, it just feels like it’s hanging out with your friends.” For many, the experience becomes a cherished part of their weekly routine—a chance not just to serve others, but to build lasting connections within their own community.
“The volunteers are the heart and soul of Lubbock Meals on Wheels, without them none of this would be possible,” Thomas added, underscoring just how essential these everyday heroes are to the organization’s mission.
Meanwhile, over in Longview, another call for volunteers is ringing out—this time for a one-day event that could have a lasting impact on the city’s most vulnerable residents. On January 22, 2026, the City of Longview will host the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) count at the Longview Exhibit Building, as reported by KETK. This annual census, organized by the North East Texas Homeless Consortium, aims to get an accurate snapshot of the local homeless population. The data collected doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it’s crucial for securing federal and state funding that supports housing and social services throughout the area.
The PIT count will coincide with Longview’s 8th annual Homeless Resource Day, a coordinated effort to connect those experiencing homelessness with vital support services. Volunteers are needed to help with the count—a task that involves more than just tallying numbers. It’s about listening, learning, and treating every participant with dignity and respect.
To prepare volunteers for this important work, the city is offering a series of online training sessions on January 5, 12, and 19, as well as an in-person session at the Longview Public Library on January 21. The hope is to equip everyone with the tools and understanding they need to make the day a success.
But it’s not just people-power that’s needed. Laura Hill, Longview’s director of grant and human services, highlighted another pressing need: donations of hygiene products. “We are actually more in need of donations of hygiene products. And they can be dropped off at the Longview Public Library during their hours that they’re open,” Hill told KETK. The wish list includes basics like toothpaste, deodorant, and insect repellent—items that many take for granted, but that can make a world of difference for someone living on the streets. These supplies are assembled into hygiene bags and distributed to those in need during the event.
For many volunteers, the PIT count is an eye-opening experience. It’s one thing to read about homelessness in the news; it’s another to meet people face to face, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. The hope is that, beyond just a single day of service, the experience will inspire ongoing engagement and advocacy.
Both Lubbock and Longview’s efforts reflect a broader trend seen across the country, where local organizations depend on volunteers not just for special events, but for the everyday work that keeps communities healthy and whole. The reality, as Thomas points out, is that volunteering isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, priorities shift, and what starts as a well-intentioned resolution can easily fall by the wayside. Yet, the need remains constant—and so does the opportunity to make an impact.
For those considering volunteering, the message from both cities is clear: even a few hours can change lives, including your own. Whether it’s delivering a hot meal to a neighbor in Lubbock or helping to ensure everyone in Longview is counted and cared for, every act of service matters. And who knows? You might just find yourself making new friends along the way.
As January unfolds, the call to action is unmistakable. Communities are strongest when neighbors look out for one another—not just in moments of crisis, but every day of the year. For Lubbock Meals on Wheels and the City of Longview, volunteers aren’t just the backbone of their operations—they’re the heart and soul of the cities they serve.
