If you’re interested in volunteering in the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle communities check out this list of local nonprofit organizations that offer a wide range of opportunities.

This list is not comprehensive.

Empower Children

Austin Angels


This nonprofit organization is part of the National Angels foster care community program that provides mentorship and support to children in the foster care system.
  • Sample activities: be a mentor, babysit, tutor, supportive family, activities, one-time events and family needs
  • Donations accepted: monetary, clothes, shoes, art supplies, furniture
  • 401 FM 967, Buda
  • www.austinangels.com
CASA of Central Texas


This nonprofit organization works to provide high quality, best interest advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system.
  • Sample activities: Court Appointed Special Advocate, community outreach support, fundraising and event support
  • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind support (comfort kits, hygiene kits, supply drives, books drives), contact office for wish list items
  • 2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos
  • www.casacentex.org
Care for the Environment

San Marcos River Foundation

This nonprofit organization aims to preserve and protect the San Marcos River.
  • Sample activities: become a member, trash clean ups, tree-planting, invasive species removals, water quality monitoring
  • Donations accepted: monetary
  • 604 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos
  • www.sanmarcosriver.org
Feed the Hungry

Hays County Food Bank


This organization provides assistance through food, nutrition education and advocacy.
  • Sample activities: drivers, distribution, home delivery drivers, special events, weigh food orders, intern
  • Donations accepted: monetary
  • 220 Herndon St., San Marcos
  • www.haysfoodbank.org
Animal Services

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

This nonprofit organization is a no-kill shelter that aims to provide care for homeless, abandoned and abused animals in Central Texas while relieving animals from other shelters that are on the euthanasia list.
  • Sample activities: adopt, foster, offsite events in the surrounding area, Adoption Ambassador Program, dog walking, visitations
  • Donations accepted: monetary, bleach, Purina ONE dog, cat and kitten food, litter, blankets
  • 500 FM 150 E., Kyle
  • www.pawsshelter.org
San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter

The shelter aims to provide care and protection for pets while finding them quality homes.
  • Sample activities: foster, clean kennels, pet photography, data entry, walking dogs
  • Donations accepted: monetary, dry or canned kitten/puppy food, blankets, laundry detergent, durable toys (stuffing free), milk replacer
  • 750 River Road, San Marcos
  • www.sanmarcostx.gov
Help the community


Buda Public Library

The library aims to enrich its community by supporting early literacy and lifelong learning.
  • Sample activities: shelving, program assistance, become a member of Friends of the Buda Library
  • Donations accepted: Friends of the Buda Library program accepts book donations and holds book sales
  • 405 E. Loop St., Buda
  • www.budalibrary.org
Austin Habitat for Humanity

Austin Habitat for Humanity dedicates its resources to building homes for individuals.
  • Sample activities: constructing new homes, working on home repair projects, supporting ReStores, discount home improvement stores and donation centers
  • Donations accepted: gently used or new building supplies, appliances, furniture, home goods, clothes, monetary goods
  • 2521 N. I-35, San Marcos
  • www.habitat.org
Southside Community Center

This nonprofit organization, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, aims to improve the living conditions and personal dignity for individuals in San Marcos and the Hays County area.
  • Sample activities: paint offices, help serve dinner, office filing, donation organizing
  • Donations accepted: clothing, hygiene products, packaged food, monetary
  • 518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
  • www.southsidecommunitycenter.org
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center


This nonprofit organization works to provide education, violence prevention services and crisis intervention to victims of family and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
  • Sample activities: intern, office work, landscaping, childcare, HELPline advocates, donation center assistance
  • Donations accepted: monetary, host a benefit, wishlist, planned giving, new and gently used clothing and household goods, brand new full size toiletries
  • P.O. Box 234, San Marcos
  • www.hcwc.org