Volunteer requirements:
- APP: application
- OTN: orientation
- BC: background check
- AGE: under age 18 allowed
EMPOWER CHILDREN
1. Austin Angels is part of the National Angels foster care community program that provides mentorship and support to children in the foster care system. The Love Box and Dare to Dream programs are specifically designed for different age groups that support children emotionally and financially to help heal from abuse and trauma, and lead a successful, fulfilling life.
APP, OTN, BC
401 RM 967, Buda
512-312-4500. www.austinangels.com
2. Work with children who have been abused or neglected through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Texas, and advocate for them in court to ensure they are places in safe and permanent homes.
APP, OTN, BC
2727 Hunter Road, San Marcos
830-262-2272. www.casacentex.org
3. Work with Communities in Schools of Central Texas and schools in local districts to help students achieve success in school and into adulthood. Volunteers develop a one-on-one relationship with students through the mentorship program to work on their academics, self-esteem and more.
APP, OTN, BC
3000 S. I-35, Ste. 200, Austin
512-462-1771. www.ciscentraltexas.org
4. Help ensure children within Hays CISD and surrounding areas have all the necessities for school, such as clothes, shoes and school supplies. The Hays CISD Clothes Closet is volunteer-run and Hays CISD kids and families can "shop" the inventory of clothes, coats, shoes and even prom dresses and dance shoes.
APP
3839 E. FM 150 W., Kyle
512-787-2540. www.hayscisd.net
5. Be part of a child's healing process through Room Redux, a nonprofit that works to physically transform the bedroom of a child that has experienced abuse. The goal is to bring together a new room that can symbolize a new start for the child and provide a safe and comfortable environment. Room Redux has branches of the organization throughout the country, including Austin, with its main headquarters in New Braunfels.
APP, BC, AGE
2051 Bunker St., New Braunfels
218-201-2085. www.roomredux.org
6. The second floor of the Southside Community Center serves as a space for the San Marcos Youth Service Bureau. Work with students at this free after-school and summer program for children ages 11-17 who are considered at-risk for dropping out of school. Students receive tutoring help, work on art projects, receive snacks, play games and more. Volunteer to be a mentor, tutor or donate.
APP, BC
518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
512-396-5437. Facebook: San Marcos Youth Service Bureau
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
7. Work with the San Marcos River Foundation to protect some of the city's most precious resources, the river and aquifer. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities, such as hot spot cleanups, gardening and more.
AGE
604 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos
210-860-4575. www.sanmarcosriver.org
FEED THE HUNGRY
8. Volunteer as an individual or with a group to fight hunger at the Hays County Food Bank. There are a variety of time slots and opportunities to cater to all schedules.
APP, OTN, BC
220 Herndon St., San Marcos
512-392-8300. www.haysfoodbank.org
9. Founded by Hays CISD Board Member Esperanza Orosco, HaysHope2Go aims to tackle hunger within the district and surrounding areas. The nonprofit runs out of a building on-site at Simon Middle School but delivers food to school ass over the district and other entities in emergencies.
APP
3839 E. FM 150 W., Kyle
512-787-2540. www.hayscisd.net
HELP ANIMALS
10. The private nonprofit PAWS Shelter of Central Texas rescues animals scheduled for euthanasia from other shelters throughout Central Texas and keeps them until they find a permanent, safe home. PAWS Shelters, in Kyle and Dripping Springs, also provide spay or neuter services to all adoptable animals.
APP, OTN, AGE
500 FM 150 E., Kyle
512-268-1611. www.pawsshelter.org
11. Help the nonprofit Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas, also known as PALS, in its fight to end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness. PALS helps promote responsible pet ownership and offers income-based services such as sterilization, vaccines, microchipping and more, at little to no cost.
APP, AGE
215 W. San Antonio St., Ste. 101, San Marcos
512-754-7257. www.preventalittler.com
12. Help enrich the lives of animals in shelters awaiting their forever homes and help alleviate staff through volunteer work at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. Volunteers can help clean kennels, read to animals and more.
APP, OTN, AGE
750 River Road, San Marcos
512-805-2650. www.sanmarcostx.gov
BETTER THE CITY
13. Volunteer at the Buda Public Library to help maintain it and keep it ready for visitors right in downtown. Get to know all aspects of how the library functions and support the community while building up resume credentials.
APP, OTN, AGE
405 E. Loop St., Buda
512-295-5899. www.budalibrary.org
14. Share in the mission of providing support to Hays County community members experiencing homelessness through the Homeless, Outreach, Mitigation, Emergency (HOME) Center of Central Texas. Volunteers can get the chance to provide emotional support, drop off groceries, pick up and distribute donations set up fundraisers, help clients more into new homes and help answer the phone.
APP, OTN, BC, AGE
903 S. I-35 Frontage Road, San Marcos
512-270-8433. www.homecentertx.org
HELP THE COMMUNITY
15. Volunteer as an individual or part of a group at Austin Habitat for Humanity to help provide housing to those in need. Volunteers can participate at construction sites to help build homes or work at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in San Marcos that sells new or gently used furniture, appliances and more.
APP, OTN, AGE
2521 N. I-35, San Marcos
512-783-8383. www.habitat.org
16. Create connections and foster community at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos through a variety of volunteer opportunities from home or the hospital that cater to different skill sets.
APP, OTN, BC, AGE
1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos
512-353-8979. www.christushealth.org
17. Despite the name, the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center serves children, women and men who live, work or attend school in Hays and Caldwell counties and have been victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and more. The center provides counseling and advocacy services, emergency services and other confidential services and resources.
APP, OTN, BC, AGE
P.O. Box 234, San Marcos
512-396-3404. www.hcwc.org
18. The Southside Community Center is committed to those in Hays County and San Marcos who are in need of medical care, food and shelter. A nonprofit organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Southside Community Center provides resources to help low-income individuals and families through free meals, transitional housing and more.
APP
518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
512-392-6694. www.southsidecommunitycenter.org
