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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.
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas
The animal welfare nonprofit is a no-kill rescue dedicated to saving vulnerable pets in Hays County and the surrounding areas.
Sample volunteer activities: walking dogs, laundry, landscaping, playing with cats, cleaning, maintenance
Donations accepted: money, towels, clumpable cat litter, Purina One cat and dog food, cat toys, dog toys, water bowls, 13-gallon kitchen trash bags, bleach, Feliway refills, Odo Ban
2965 RM-165, Dripping Springs
Prevent a Litter of Central Texas
PAL's of Central Texas' mission is to combat pet overpopulation and homelessness through accessible, low-cost, and income-based free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, trap-neuter-return and a pet food pantry for animals. The nonprofit promotes responsible pet ownership to create a safer future for pets and the people who love them.
Sample volunteer activities: food pantry distribution, trap-neuter-return, community outreach, clinic help
Donations accepted: monetary, annual membership support
8401 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos
San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance
This nonprofit organization protects and maintains the natural areas and trails that surround San Marcos through stewardship, advocacy, land conservation and community engagement.
Sample volunteer 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, materials (accepted year-round)
107 E. Hopkins St., Ste 121A; San Marcos
San Marcos River Foundation
The River Foundation advocates for protecting and preserving the San Marcos River through water and land conservation, community engagement and education.
Sample volunteer activities: water quality monitoring and riparian evaluation, invasive plant removals and riparian restoration, trash clean-ups
Donations accepted: monetary
P.O. Box 1393, San Marcos
The Eyes of the San Marcos River
The nonprofit's goal is to protect the San Marcos River and promote good environmental stewardship through a peaceful presence, cooperative action, and awareness-raising.
Sample volunteer activities: river cleanups
Donations accepted: monetary, tools, materials
Facebook: The Eyes of the San Marcos River
Address: N/A
Austin Angels
Austin Angels walks alongside children and families experiencing foster care through consistent relationships and intentional support. Through the Love Box® and Dare to Dream® programs, volunteers build long-term relationships with families and young people—showing up month after month with practical support, mentorship, encouragement and connection.
Sample volunteer activities: Individuals, families, and groups can serve through our Love Box® and Dare to Dream® programs. Volunteers can also support special events, help organize and stock resources at the Foster Care Community Center, participate in group service projects and help with seasonal needs throughout the year.
Donations accepted: monetary donations, gift cards, new items for children and families and select in-kind donations
401 Ranch to Market Road 967, Buda
CASA of Central Texas
The organization provides high-quality, best-interest advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system. It trains and empowers dedicated CASA volunteers to ensure children’s needs are met, and their voices are heard. Volunteers commit to strengthening connections and supporting the well-being of children in foster care, one family at a time.
Sample volunteer activities: become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, serve on the Advisory Council, engage with the CASACenTex Young Professionals, fundraising, event support
Donations accepted: monetary, event sponsorships and auction donations, gift cards for volunteer appreciation, in-kind goods for agency needs, volunteer training and special events, food and beverage donations for volunteer training, appreciation events and community outreach activities
2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos
Teacher Reuse
Teacher Reuse provides free donated classroom supplies to Texas public and charter classroom teachers while promoting reuse and landfill diversion. The Teacher Reuse store is open to eligible teachers on Saturdays, and most days during our busy back-to-school time in July and August.
Sample volunteer activities: processing donations, store operations, taking a position on the Board of Directors and various committees
Donations accepted: teacher resources including curriculum, organization items, arts and crafts, office supplies, monetary, in-kind donations
Tanger Outlet Center, 4015 S. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 640, San Marcos
Central Texas Food Bank
This hunger-relief nonprofit provides immediate, equitable access to nutritious food for individuals throughout its 21-county service area. Through direct service programs and a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners, CTFB supports more than 590,000 food-insecure individuals annually.
Sample volunteer activities: Volunteers are needed in warehouse food sorting, the kitchen, market restocking, the mobile food pantry and the farm. Registration is required.
Donations accepted: monetary, participation in the Virtual Food Drive
6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin
Hays County Food Bank
Hays County Food Bank is committed to improving lives through food assistance programs and advocacy.
Sample volunteer activities: Volunteer opportunities include driving, food rescue, warehouse shifts, distribution assistance, market assistance and food processing.
Donations accepted: monetary and in-kind donations; food donations can be dropped off at the San Marcos location
1612 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos
Southside Community Center
The center provides daily meals, showers, laundry and hygiene kits. It also offers financial support for rent and utilities and operates an extreme weather shelter.
Sample volunteer activities: prepare, serve and clean up from daily meals, organize storage areas, manage donations, deep clean, landscaping/outdoor cleanup
Donations accepted: unused hygiene products, nonperishable foods, individually wrapped snacks, monetary
518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos
San Marcos Community and Police Association
The association, along with the San Marcos Police Department, hosts a Blue Santa program that provides children and families in San Marcos with Christmas gifts. Only 550 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2026 season.
Sample volunteer activities: wrapping gifts on Nov. 3, Nov. 10 and Nov. 17
Donations accepted: monetary
301 N. Edward Gary St., San Marcos
The Friends of the Buda Library
The nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, lifelong learning and community engagement. Through volunteerism, outreach and partnerships, they strive to ensure the Buda Public Library remains a vital, welcoming resource for all community members.
Sample volunteer activities: promote library services, advocate for library needs and raise funds to enhance library programs, collections and facilities
Donations accepted: monetary
PO Box 1162, Buda
