ENGAGE SAN MARCOS

There's many ways to tap into the San Marcos community, including community service. Whether you're looking for a one-time event or a semester-long volunteer opportunity, we got you covered. We work with local community partners to help students find new ways to give back. Check out the list of opportunities to find your best fit.

This list is updated as new opportunities are shared with Leadership & Service.

Find The Best Opportunity For You

  • One-Time Opportunities

    • Every summer, thousands of San Marcos renters relocate leaving behind perfectly usable items. SMTX Gives Back collects these donations and redistributes them to regional non-profits and through the Community Market, reducing landfill waste and directly supporting individuals and families in our community. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways, from event preparation to traffic control or closing.

      LOCATION: San Marcos Activity Center | 501 E. Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Friday, August 29 - Saturday, August 30

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: For details on the types of volunteering provided, visit SMTX Gives Back Community Market. Interested volunteers can sign up using this link.

      For more information, contact Quincy Pugh at qpugh@sanmarcostx.gov or call 512-393-8412.

  • Community Development

    • Amigos supports Spanish-speaking families and all under-resourced community members in the Wimberley Valley. Through essential needs assistance, community connections, and educational opportunities, Amigos helps build paths to self-sufficiency and brighter futures. Volunteers are needed for 2.5 hour shifts at the food pantry to help distribute food as well as basic home essentials and hygiene products.

      LOCATION: PO Box 106, Wimberley, TX 78676

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Shifts vary depending on when assistance is needed.

      Contact amigoswimberley@gmail.com for more information about volunteering.

    • There are many ways to give back and serve others these next few months. Southside Community Center provides shelter and hot meals to our neighbors seeking a place to stay warm, and we're happy to support where we can! Volunteers are needed to assist with meals including set up, serving, and clean up, supply donations, and shelter assistance weekdays or weekends.

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Shifts vary depending on when assistance is needed.

      LOCATION: Southside Community Center (518 S. Guadalupe St, San Marcos, TX 78666)

      If you are interested in volunteering to assist with meals, overnight shelter, or donating supplies, please contact Jessica Cain (jessica@southsidecenter.org).

  • Disabilities

    • Mini Equine 2 U offers transformative therapy and educational programs through equine-assisted activities. Our specially trained miniature horses and donkeys provide a unique, hands-on experience that fosters physical, emotional, and social well-being for individuals of all ages and abilities. Volunteers are welcome to join in supporting both regular programs and special events.

      LOCATION: 130 Camino Derecho, Wimberley, TX 78676

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Varies based on when assistance is needed.

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Visit www.Miniequine2u.org for more information or contact dsmclean59@gmail.com for information about how to volunteer.

      Contact dsmclean59@gmail.com for more information.

  • Elder Care

    • Aspen Hospice is looking for volunteers to build meaningful relationships with patients in the community! Some opportunities for volunteers include:

      • Providing companionship to patients through reading, writing, arts and crafts, music, or simply offering your presence and a listening ear.
      • Working with our marketing team to put on exciting events for our patients in residential facilities, including concerts, salon days, fashion shows, and more!

      We have offices in San Marcos and Bastrop and serve Bastrop, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Travis Counties. 

      Volunteer Qualifications 

      • Licensure: Must have a current driver's license if providing direct patient care. 
      • Skills: Demonstrate interest and compassion in the welfare of the ill and elderly. 
      • Transportation: Reliable transportation and valid auto liability insurance.
      • Criminal History: Must agree and pass a criminal history check. 
      • Commitment: Volunteer at least twice a month.

      Volunteer Requirements

      • Complete onboarding documents 
      • Provide driver's license, car insurance, and social security card
      • Complete training in the office 
      • Complete TB test

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Interested volunteers are asked to complete the interest form, or contact Victoria Gonzales at 512-920-0896 or victoria.gonzales@aspenhealthcaretx.com.

  • Food Security

    • Since 1984, the Hays County Food Bank has worked to alleviate hunger in our community. With your time, talent, and hard work, you too can make the daily response to hunger possible. From food rescue to distribution, and even internships, there's plenty of ways to make an impact with Hays County Food Bank.

      LOCATION: 1612 S I-35 Frontage Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Volunteer dates and times are dependent on when shifts are available. Volunteers are welcome to assist with weekly distributions listed below: 

      Mondays @ 3:30PM - 6:30PMHays County Food Bank (220 Herndon St, San Marcos, TX )
      Tuesdays @ 11:30AM - 1:30PMSt. Anthony's Catholic Church (801 N. Burleson St, Kyle, TX)
      Thursdays @ 11:30AM - 1:30PMBuda City Park (204 San Antonio St, Buda, TX)

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Individuals interested in volunteering can visit haysfoodbank.org/volunteer/ to register. An orientation is required for new volunteers. After completing the previous steps, you will be able to sign up for shifts.

      For more information, contact volunteer@haysfoodbank.org.

    • School Fuel San Marcos is a volunteer-ran organization that packs weekend food for children who are considered to be food insecure in SMCISD. We are looking for volunteers to help us pack food sacks.

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Every Thursday from 5pm - 7:30pm

      LOCATION: 1331 TX-123, San Marcos, TX 78666

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Use this link to sign up: https://www.schoolfuelsanmarcos.org/volunteer

      Contact schoolfuelsmtx@gmail.com for more information.

  • Housing & Development

    • Volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in San Marcos! The ReStore is volunteer-ran and is a vital part in providing affordable homes for hardworking Texans in Hays and Travis County. Habitat for Humanity's ReStore locations have diverted over 40 million pounds of debris from landfills and embrace the principles of the circular economy, showing a testament to their unwavering commitment to sustainability. Volunteers can have a multitude of opportunities to choose from, whether it's receiving donations, cleaning and maintaining the store, organizing products, and more.

      LOCATION: 2521 I-35 N Frontage Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Shifts are available Mondays-Saturdays from 1:00pm - 7:00pm, and Sundays from 11:00am - 5:00pm.

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Volunteers must wear close-toed shoes and a reusable water bottle. Volunteers must register through this link: https://austinhabitat.volunteerhub.com/vv2/

      Contact volunteer@austinhabitat.org for more information.

  • Youth & Education

    • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas needs volunteer mentors to be matched with youth in your area! When you volunteer to become a Big Brother or Sister, you’ll not only make a positive impact on the life of a child, but you’ll enrich your own life and have fun as well. Little moments lead to big impacts when you spend consistent, authentic time with a youth! Match outings range from going on a walk, getting ice cream, working on homework, playing a game, or trying a new activity! This opportunity is flexible to fit your personality and interests.

      LOCATION: Anywhere in your area!

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Bigs are expected to meet with their Little 2-3 times a month for at least one year. Every match is responsible for scheduling outings based on personal schedules.

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Mentors must be 18 years or older, have a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation. To get started, fill out the volunteer inquiry form and sign up for an upcoming virtual volunteer information session: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4841667

      Contact msweeny@bigmentoring.org for more information.

    • Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention in Seguin, TX is seeking musical volunteers to assist with Music Camp. These monthly camps allows youth ages 10-17 to be introduced to musical instruments (guitars, keyboard, and drums) and learn the basics of the instruments, rhythm and drum circles. Curriculum will be provided.

      LOCATION:  2613 N. Guadalupe St, Seguin, TX 78155

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Times vary month to month. Below are the dates and times of Music Camp.

      September 12, 2025, 3:00PM - 4:00pmOctober 24, 2025, 3:00PM - 4:00PM
      November 25, 2025, 1:00PM - 2:00PMDecember 30, 2025, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
      January 6, 2026, 1:00PM - 2:00PMFebruary 6, 2026, 3:00PM - 4:00PM
      March 13, 2026, 1:00PM - 2:00PMApril 6, 2026, 1:00PM - 2:00PM

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. A volunteer application with Guadalupe County Juvenile Services is required, which involves a fingerprint check and orientation prior to starting volunteer sessions.

      For more information, contact Shelly Cameron at shelly.cameron@guadalupe.tx.us or call 830-303-1274 (ext. 5222).

    • Teacher Reuse is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that provides donated classroom resources to public and charter school teachers in Central Texas for free. Opportunities can range from assisting teachers who are shopping for free resources, to accepting, sorting, and shelving incoming donations, to assist in social media marketing and other outreach opportunities.

      VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: Every Saturday from 10am - 6pm and every Tuesday from 1pm - 6pm (hours may vary)

      LOCATION: Teacher Reuse (1040 Hwy 123 Bldg 3, San Marcos, TX 78666). We are located in the backyard of the San Marcos Utilities Building.

      SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Use this link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084EACAD29A5FEC61-50209643-support#/. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring water dress according to warehouse conditions. Close-toed shoes are required.

      For more information, email info@theteacherreuse.org.