Volunteer Spotlight: Oliver Avera
ACR would seriously not be possible without our amazing team of Core Volunteers! They bring their dedication and expertise to our organization every day and help make ACR the fun and welcoming place it is.
This August, we are putting a spotlight on one of those amazing core volunteers - Oliver Avera. Oliver has been volunteering with ACR since April, always ready to jump in and tackle whatever we need — from take-home projects to in-center tasks and finally becoming our Materials Mobile superstar! Their passion for sustainability and conservation shine through in everything they do. Outside of ACR, they enjoy cycling around and exploring the neighborhood on their bike that they built while volunteering at another amazing local nonprofit, Yellow Bike Project! Their latest creative win? A knitted pair of Halloween-themed bat socks for their partner - perfect for this time of year!
Read on to learn more about them and why they love to volunteer at ACR.
What motivates you to volunteer?
To feel a sense of community and accomplishment that I am doing something practical or productive with my time.
Why ACR?
I really appreciate the mission and values of ACR as well as loving art/craft supplies and never wanting to throw anything away that I "could need in the future". I starting shopping at the beginning of the year and realised there was more to ACR than just a thrift store and looked into all of the volunteer opportunities.
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
Since April 2025, originally starting with general tasks in store and some take home projects. Then got swept into the education department with the Materials Mobile and really enjoyed it!
Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect?
In the beginning I was more into the conservation aspect. I was amazed at all the different types of things in the store and wanted to share that with all of my friends who love crafting and sometimes hoarding supplies. I was always hesitant to donate niche craft supplies to other thrift stores as it might not find the right person, but now having access to ACR I don't fear that valuable resources would be thrown away.
While volunteering at ACR I learnt more about all of the other work that ACR does and how much it is giving back to its local community who can find unique uses for items and turn them into art. Especially talking to teachers while on Material Mobile trips, they will come up with ideas that I would never think of. An example is using empty makeup compacts as a visual reference for emotions with the little mirror inside.
What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR?
Getting to chat with the lovely staff and volunteers. It has made living in new city/country easier to know that I can always come by where everyone is so welcoming and accepting.
Do you volunteer elsewhere?
Yes I have also been volunteering at Austin Yellow Bike, learning about bicycle maintenance and refurbishment. I was able to participate in their Earn-A-Bike program and build my own bicycle that I can ride to ACR with (when it's not too hot outside).
Tell us about your most recent creative project!
My most recent finished project is a pair of bat socks for my partner. They are the 3rd pair of socks I finished and my knitting has definitely improved (as well as being able to read the pattern and count correctly).
What other hobbies or interests do you like to spend time on?
I have been getting back into making video games recently which is fun and challenging. I also enjoy cycling around my neighbourhood.
Are you from Austin? If not, where are you from?
I am originally from Australia, I grew up in Toowoomba, but most recently lived in Melbourne. I moved to Austin with my partner in December 2024.
Do you like to do creative projects with your kids or grandkids?
As the grandkid I have always enjoyed projects with my grandma who is most recently into embroidery and quilting. Before I moved we worked on a patchwork Christmas stocking together that I could bring with me to the US!
