Editor's note: This list is not comprehensive.

Explore volunteer and donation opportunities across San Marcos, Buda and Kyle, from helping children and animals to protecting the environment. Those interested in learning more can contact the organization directly.

Empower children

Austin Angels

The founding chapter of the National Angels network offers consistent and intentional support.


Sample activities: support needs such as meals, household essentials, babysitting, tutoring, and mentorship

Donations accepted: monetary, gift cardsCASA of Central Texas

This nonprofit organization trains community volunteers to provide high-quality, best interest advocacy for children in foster care.

Sample activities: Court Appointed Special Advocate, community outreach support, fundraising, event support


Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind support (comfort kits, hygiene kits, supply drives, book drives), contact office for wish list itemsHelp neighbors

Bobcat Build’s Big Event

At this annual service event in April, Texas State University students donate their time to help residents in the San Marcos and Kyle communities with landscaping and home improvement projects.

Sample activities: mowing lawns, trimming trees, painting walls, cleaning windows


Donations accepted: materials, shovels, tools, paint brushesHays County CERT

The organization trains volunteers who receive their emergency preparedness certification on providing support for first responders, light search and rescue, and shelter relief.

Sample activities: emergency preparedness certification, working events, providing first aid, assisting with cooling stations, parking lot and traffic control, communication, administrative tasks, logistics

Donations accepted: monetary giftsHays County Food Bank


This organization provides food at no cost to low-income households and those suffering from a food emergency due to job loss, medical emergencies and disasters.

Sample volunteer activities: market assistants, warehouse sorting, food rescue pickup

Donations accepted: unopened, shelf-stable food that has an intact label and lists the ingredientsTeacher Reuse

The organization provides free, donated classroom resources to Central Texas public and charter school teachers, encouraging reuse, recycling and community responsibility for the welfare of schools.


Sample volunteer activities: sorting and organizing donations

Donations accepted: monetary, classroom supply drives, reusable items for classroomsProtect the environment

San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance

This nonprofit organization works to protect and maintain the natural areas and trails that surround San Marcos through stewardship, advocacy, land conservation and community engagement.

Sample activities: trail building and maintenance, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, native planting, outreach and education, event coordination, administrative support, fundraising

Donations accepted: monetary, tools, native plants, trail supplies, materialsThe Eyes of the San Marcos River

This grassroots organization works to conserve the health of the San Marcos River Watershed with a primary focus of combatting the litter resulting from recreational river use.

Sample volunteer activities: on-water cleanups between San Marcos and Martindale

Donations accepted: monetaryThe San Marcos River Foundation

This organization is dedicated to preserving the quality and flow of the San Marcos River and its Springs.

Sample volunteer activities: invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, trash clean ups, tree plantings, trail building

Donations accepted: monetary, water rights and landAid with animal welfare

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

The no-kill shelter saves homeless, abused and abandoned dogs and cats in Hays County.

Sample volunteer activities: walking, cuddling and taking dogs on day trips, helping with laundry and cleaning, landscaping/maintenance

Donations accepted: monetary, Purina One dog food, cat litter, bleach/cleaning supplies, paper towels, blankets, cratesSan Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

The Hays County intake facility takes lost/found pets and manages adoptions

Sample volunteer activities: cleaning kennels, animal enrichment, veterinary assistance, dog's day out, cat room socialization

Donations accepted: pet food (all types), blankets, towels, monetaryPrevent a Litter of Central Texas

This organization is a low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinic in San Marcos. PALS offers vouchers for free spay/neuter surgeries for those who qualify in Hays County and any Central Texas resident can receive services. The organization offers community cat clinics twice a month and loan traps to the public. PALS also partners with the Hays County Health Department to provide pet food.

Sample volunteer activities: assistance during animal recovery, data entry, attend outreach events and share information about PALS

Donations accepted: monetary, towels, puppy pads, pet food