2009 marks the 11th year of our biggest annual service campaign: the Statesman Season for Caring. This fund drive is a partnership between the Statesman's editorial and community development departments. The campaign introduces readers to 12 families in need and the nonprofit agencies providing services to them. Our readers have generously donated more than $5 million in cash and in-kind goods and services, all of which have benefited the featured families as well as hundreds of others like them who are also being served by these agencies. The cash has been used to buy gift cards for groceries, gas, clothing and household essentials, pay utilities, provide needed medical and dental care, and fund higher education and technical training to allow these families to become self-sufficient. The in-kind donations have included home makeovers, new dentures and even a state-of-the-art prosthesis and much more since the campaign's inception in 1999. MORE

When it was discovered that swim lessons were not available in the neighborhoods housing the children that are statistically at a higher risk of drowning, the Statesman Swim Safe for Austin Kids program was born. Our program provides at-risk children in kindergarten through third grade with basic swimming skills at local city and YMCA pools. The program is designed to encourage children to overcome their fear of water, to learn to swim and to give them the gift of healthy outdoor exercise and fun. The funds are raised by reader donations, grants and business partnerships, and have been put toward providing lessons to more than 9,000 children since 2000. With the help of our readers, the 10,000th Swim Safe lesson will be taught by the end of the summer of 2009. MORE

The first Statesman Capitol 10,000 race in 1978 was the beginning of what was to become the largest 10K race in Texas. More than 18,000 runners and walkers participated in the 2009 race, representing 44 states, six countries, and four continents. The Cap 10, as it is affectionately called, has not only become a beloved family tradition, but has contributed $2,084,098 through sponsorship donations to local nonprofit organizations. Past beneficiaries include Habitat for Humanity, CASA of Travis County, People's Community Clinic, Meals on Wheels and More, Children's Hospital of Austin, Children's Advocacy Center, Austin Children's Shelter, East Communities Branch YMCA, and Capital Area Food Bank. MORE

The Statesman is proud to host the Austin Do Good channel. DoGood.statesman.com is free to use and allows nonprofits the opportunity to promote their events, highlight their needs and let the community know more about their good work. The channel is also an easy way for Central Texans to find volunteer opportunities and learn how they can make a difference in their community. MORE

The Lady Bird's Legacy Wildflower campaign began in 2008 on what would have been President Lyndon B. Johnson's 100th birthday. The campaign will continue through 2012 when Lady Bird Johnson would have turned 100. The funds raised by the campaign will be used to buy seed packets for Central Texas school children as well as for seeding along Central Texas highways and rights of way. MORE