Residents of San Marcos, Buda and Kyle have a wealth of ways to serve their community. Below is a concise guide to fourteen nonprofit organizations operating in Hays County, each with a clear mission and a list of volunteer activities you can join.
Animal Services
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas is a no‑kill rescue dedicated to saving vulnerable pets throughout Hays County. Volunteers can walk dogs, clean kennels, tend to landscaping, play with cats, and assist with general maintenance. The shelter welcomes donations of money, towels, clumpable cat litter, Purina One pet food, toys, water bowls, 13‑gallon kitchen trash bags, bleach and Feliway refills.
Pet Overpopulation Prevention
PAL’s of Central Texas combats pet overpopulation through low‑cost spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, trap‑neuter‑return programs and a pet food pantry. Volunteer roles include food pantry distribution, trap‑neuter‑return assistance, community outreach, clinic support and administrative help. Monetary contributions and annual membership support are accepted.
Environmental Stewardship
The River Foundation protects the San Marcos River and surrounding natural areas. Volunteers help with trail building, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, native planting, outreach, event coordination and fundraising.
The River Foundation also focuses on water quality monitoring, riparian evaluation, invasive plant removal, riparian restoration and trash clean‑ups along the river.
Foster Care Support
Austin Angels walks alongside children and families in foster care through its Love Box® and Dare to Dream® programs. Volunteers can serve families through these programs, support special events, stock resources at the Foster Care Community Center, join group service projects and assist with seasonal needs throughout the year. Donations of money, gift cards, new items for children and families, and select in‑kind items are welcomed.
Child Welfare Advocacy
Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CASA‑Centex) provides best‑interest advocacy for children in the child welfare system. Volunteers may become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), serve on the Advisory Council, engage with the CASA‑Centex Young Professionals group, fundraise, and support events.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Reuse offers free donated classroom supplies to Texas public and charter teachers, promoting reuse and landfill diversion. Volunteers can process donations, help run the store, and serve on the Board of Directors or various committees. Accepted donations include curriculum materials, arts and crafts, office supplies, monetary gifts and in‑kind items.
Hunger Relief
Community Texas Food Bank (CTFB) provides immediate, equitable access to nutritious food across a 21‑county service area, supporting more than 590,000 food‑insecure individuals each year. Volunteers are needed for warehouse food sorting, kitchen work, market restocking, mobile pantry assistance and farm duties. Registration is required.
Home Repair & Disaster Response
Mission Able mobilizes neighbors to meet local needs through a Home Repair Program, a Youth Leadership Camp called Mission Able Forge, and disaster response via the Mission Able Lightline. Volunteers can join online assessments, form teams through churches or businesses, and participate in Community Work Days held every other month.
Emergency Services
The local shelter provides daily meals, showers, laundry, hygiene kits, financial assistance for rent and utilities, and operates an extreme‑weather shelter. Volunteers can prepare, serve and clean meals, organize storage, manage donations, and assist with landscaping or outdoor cleanup.
Holiday Giving
The association, in partnership with the San Marcos Police Department, runs a Blue Santa program that supplies Christmas gifts to children and families. Only 550 applications will be accepted on a first‑come, first‑served basis for the 2026 season. Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts on November 3, 10 and 17.
Library Support
Friends of the Buda Library fosters a love of reading, lifelong learning and community engagement. Volunteers can promote library services, advocate for library needs, and raise funds to enhance programs, collections and facilities.
These organizations rely on community members to keep their missions alive. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit to a larger project, there is a volunteer role that fits your schedule and interests. Reach out directly to the nonprofits for more information on how to get started.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
