Grateful for Driftwood: November News from Driftwood HCS

As we reflect on this season, we’re especially grateful for the people who make Driftwood such a special place to call home! The dedication of volunteers during the October Road Cleanup and the laughter and connection shared at Mahjong Mondays reflects the unique and special character of Driftwood. Every gathering helps strengthen our sense of community and belonging.

Announcement: LCRA, PEC award $19,125 grant for major improvements to Driftwood Community Center

We are so excited to share, as announced in a recent press release from the Lower Colorado River Authority, that the Driftwood Community Center will soon be able to host bigger groups and community events. Thanks to a $19,125 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative!

The community grant, along with $5,750 in matching funds from the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society, will help the center address accessibility and safety regulations by adding an emergency exit door and ADA-accessible exterior ramp. The center, which currently has only one entrance, hosts family events, classes, meetings and more.

“Right now, our capacity is limited by fire code to only allow 49 people in at a time,” said Denton Ragland, Driftwood Historical Conservation Society president. “We currently have 370 members, so this will be a huge capacity builder for us. We will immediately be able to more than double the amount of people that can be at the facility at one time, and it will also give us the ability to host more groups from around the area.”

The community center is a former schoolhouse that has been in use since it was built more than 100 years ago. Among other events, it hosts a potluck dinner that has been meeting monthly since World War II. “The building means a great deal to a lot of people,” Ragland said. “It’s part of the heritage of the community. Since 1920, when it was built by the community as a school, it has been a gathering place for the people of Driftwood. Our goal as an organization and with this grant is to continue to preserve the rural beauty, heritage and sense of community that make Driftwood special.”

Upcoming Events

Donate to the Driftwood Food Drive!

Help us support our neighbors this season during the Driftwood Food Drive! From November 1st through November 16th, the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society is partnering with Friendship Creekside Food Pantry to collect non-perishable food items for local families in need.

The pantry serves the Driftwood and Dripping Springs communities twice a week, providing essential groceries to those facing food insecurity. Your donations help keep their shelves stocked and our community strong.

The most needed items are dry goods, diapers, wipes and adult care items. Donations can be dropped off at the Driftwood Community Center or any of the following locations:

• Austin Mail Express

• Sonder Coffee Lounge

• Hays City Store

• Driftwood Axe House

• Kodiak Strength Training

• Driftwood Post Office

• Friendship Creekside

• Life Family Dripping Springs

• Faith Bible Church

Outside the City Limits Festival

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Time: 12:00-8:00PM

Place: Vista Brewing 

Spend the day relaxing in Driftwood with an outstanding lineup of local musicians playing all day on two stages. Now in its 7th year, the Outside the City Limits Music Festival is known for chill Hill Country vibes, talented up and coming bands, and Fall fun for the whole family.  Learn more and get your tickets at https://www.vistabrewingtx.com/ocl-music-festival/ 

General Membership Meeting

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:15 PM

Location: Driftwood Community Center (15112 W RR 150)

Join us for our next General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 11th as we honor Veterans Day with a special presentation. See you there!

Help Brighten the Burke Center for Youth

Thank you to all who joined the October 23rd Community Engagement Committee meeting for the Burke Center Christmas Decorating Project! We have a solid design, materials list, and cost estimate to bring Christmas cheer to the Burke Center Classroom Building and pathway.

Workdays are scheduled for November 14th and 15th, and we’re seeking both monetary donations and volunteers to help build the light tunnel and wrap trees. Let’s join hands to LIGHT UP THE BURKE CENTER with Christmas joy and community spirit!

For more details, contact Becky Fuchs at (713)851-0850. You can also join us at Community Night on Saturday, November 1st to preview the project and get involved in spreading some holiday cheer!

Bird with a Birder

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 (every 3rd Saturday)

Time: 8:30 AM

Location: Driftwood Birding Station at the Driftwood Nature Preserve (across from the Driftwood Community Church and Driftwood Community Center)

We’re excited to continue this monthly series in collaboration with Hays County Master Naturalists! The Bird with a Birder series aims to bring seasoned birders together to share their knowledge, welcome new birders into the flock, and create opportunities for everyone to enjoy the beauty of birding. Join us at the Driftwood Birding Station on Saturday, November 15th at 8:30 AM for our next outing. All are welcome, especially “want-to-be” birders, and families are encouraged to join in! Use this form to RSVP today!

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time: 6:00PM

Place: Driftwood Community Church (15090 FM 150)

Gather with neighbors and the Driftwood Community Church on Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00 PM for a heartfelt evening of good food and fellowship at the Driftwood Community Center. Sign up to volunteer and bring your favorite dish here!

Save the date for these upcoming Holiday Events! 

Driftwood Community Night

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Join us for Christmas Carols and a Cookie Exchange!

Christmas at the Pound House

Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Join us in spreading holiday cheer and local history at Christmas at the Pound House! We need four volunteers to help host our Driftwood HCS table, meet visitors, and share information about our mission. Two shifts are available during this festive community event. Email info@driftwoodhcs.org to volunteer!

Christmas Eve Service at Driftwood Community Church

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Join Driftwood Community Church for their Christmas Eve Service. Celebrate the season with carols, worship, and the joy of Christmas together. After the service, Santa will make a special visit to deliver gifts to the children, followed by a festive reception in the Education Building. It will be a wonderful evening for the whole family to share in the spirit of Christmas!

Resources

Explore Our Government Resources Page

This month, we’re highlighting our Government Resources page. The resources on this page help Driftwood residents stay informed and engaged with the decisions shaping Driftwood and the surrounding area. These tools make it easier to participate in the civic process and help protect what makes Driftwood special. Take a moment to explore and learn more!

Committee News

Festival Committee

Committee Chair: Vanessa Akins

Contact: festival@driftwoodhcs.org

The Driftwood Heritage Festival is back on Sunday, April 19, 2026! Sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses and neighbors who want to be part of this cherished event. Sponsorships play a vital role in supporting this beloved community event and offer a unique opportunity to showcase your business or organization while celebrating Driftwood’s rich history and advancing the Driftwood HCS mission. Click here to learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits. Interested in being a sponsor, contact festival@driftwoodhcs.org!

As the seasons change and we begin cleaning out our garages, attics, extra bedrooms, and storage areas in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, please keep Driftwood HCS in mind. We would greatly appreciate any potential donations for our silent auction and raffle! 

Membership Committee

Committee Chair: Pamela Phillips

Contact: membership@driftwoodhcs.org

Do you know of or own a local business that could benefit from a Driftwood HCS Business Membership? It’s an opportunity to highlight your business to our members and the broader Driftwood community. Contact Membership at the email above for more details! 

Join/Renew your membership today!

• At our next meeting you can pay in person via cash, check, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Take home your membership sign that day!

• Online at https://driftwoodhcs.org/membership via card or PayPal

• Mail a check to us at Driftwood HCS PO Box 314, Driftwood, TX 78619