October 13th, 2016
Welcome!

Happy fall, y'all! Thanks for checking out the Volunteer Opportunities Newsletter. Whether you're looking to give back as an individual or a group, spend time outside or working with students or animals, there are so many great ways to serve Hays county! 

Remember that if you're out in the community and doing service, use the hashtag #BobcatsServe so  everyone can see the incredible work being done!
 
Featured Opportunity
Name:
Reading Mania
Need:
Volunteers to be guest readers
Date/Time:
Friday, October 21st
Location:
Mendez Elementary School
Contact Name:
Elizabeth Smith
Contact Email or Phone Number:
512-393-6049
Additional Info:
Sign up for a time 

 
Storm Water Message:
It's Texas State Football season! While you're getting ready to cheer on the Bobcats, keep the environment and our river in mind. Plastic, cans and food left on the parking lots during tailgating will wash into ditches and into to the San Marcos river during the next rain event.  Recycle plastic, aluminum and glass containers and dispose of all other trash in the on-site dumpsters.  Take used charcoal home and recycle in your own compost pile, or dispose of in the dumpster or trash bin after it has fully cooled.  Celebrate responsibly and Eat 'Em Up Cats!
 
 
Limited Time Opportunities

Name: United Way's "Change A Child's Story"
Need: Volunteers to participate in their reading program
Date/Time:10/18 (participation deadline 9/27), 11/15 (participation deadline 10/25) at 9am
Contact Name: Analia Voss
Contact Email or Phone Number: analia.voss@uwhays.org or 512-353-1420
Additional Info: Participants must have a new online background check

Name: Downtown Awards
Need:  Award Ceremony honoring downtown businesses and partners that make downtown a place where people of all ages can connect, create and celebrate. Volunteers will assist with set up for this event.
Date/Time: Friday, October 14th from 3-6pm
Contact Name:  Maggie Gillespie
Contact Email or Phone Number:  mainstreet@sanmarcostx.gov or 512-393-8430
Additional Info:  Closed-toed shoes and a Texas State shirt are recommended.

Name: First United Methodist Pumpkin Patch
Need: Volunteers to sign up for 2 hour shifts
Date/Time: October 3rd-October 31st from noon-8pm
Location: First United Methodist Church
Contact Name: Ben Rodriguez
Contact Email or Phone Number: benjaminr00@hotmail.com
Additional Info: Follow this link to sign up here

Name: "Story Book Parade"
Need: Student Orgs  to sponsor an activity table/area where students can participate and earn prizes or goodies
Date/Time: October 28th from 9am-3pm
Location: Texas Prepatory School (400 Uhland Rd)
Contact Name: Elton D. Fite
Contact Email or Phone Number: elton.fite@bgcsct.org or 512-557-2939
Additional Info: Feel free to dress as your favorite storybook character! Check out a visual description here

Name: October All Paws In
Need: Students to volunteer at Hays-Caldwell Women's Center on landscaping and other needs!
Date/Time: Saturday, October 29th from 9-1pm
Location: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Contact Name: Amanda Martindale
Contact Email or Phone Number: adm171@txstate.edu or 512.245.1904
Additional Info: Register to volunteer here 

Name: Downtown Trick or Treat
Need: Downtown welcomes all trick-or-treaters to downtown for a fun and exciting experience complete with trick-or-treating in downtown shops, games, a haunted alley and more. Volunteers are needed to assist with games, activities and passing out candy.
Date/Time: Saturday, October 29th from 11:30-3:30pm
Contact Name:  Maggie Gillespie
Contact Email or Phone Number:  mainstreet@sanmarcostx.gov or 512-393-8430

Name: Downtown Wassail Walk
Need: This is the official kick off to the Heart of the Holidays event series. Volunteers will assist with preparing for the event, but not the event itself
Date/Time: Friday, November 11th from 1pm-4pm
Contact Name: Maggie Gillespie
Contact Email or Phone Number: mainstreet@sanmarcostx.gov or 512-393-8430
Additional Info: Please wear close-toed shoes and a Texas State t-shirt

Name: Downtown Farm to Dinner Table
Need: Volunteers to assist with preparation for the event. 
Date/Time: Saturday, November 12th from 3-6pm and 6-9pm
Contact Name: Maggie Gillespie
Contact Email or Phone Number: mainstreet@sanmarcostx.gov or 512-393-8430
Additional Info: Please contact Maggie with advanced notice in order to learn dress requirements

 
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Hunger Related:

Name:  School Fuel
Need: Help packing lunches for 535 elementary school children in SM for the school year
Date/Time: Most Thursdays at 6:30pm. Specific dates and times can be found on SignUpGenius.com
Location: Portable buildings to the right of San Marcos CISD Central Office, 501 South LBJ Dr.
Contact Name : Nancy Smith or Shelby Herbert
Contact Email or Phone Number: schoolfuel2013@yahoo.com or 512-826-1302
 
Name: Hays County Food Bank
Need: Volunteer at Food Bank
Date/Time: M-F 8am-12pm, 10-2pm, 12-4pm
Contact Name: Holly Hood
Contact Email or Phone Number: hhood@haysfoodbank.org or 512-392-8300 Ext. 222
Special Trainings/Orientation: Must complete online application & read online orientation manual
 
Name: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Need: Individuals or  Groups that can provide meals for evening therapy groups
Date/Time: Tuesday and Thursday evenings
Contact Name: Zoe Arabzadegan
Contact Email or Phone Number: zoe@hcwc.org or 512-396-3404
Special Trainings/Orientation: None
 
Name: Nutrition Aide for Meals on Wheels
Need : Volunteers for Meals on Wheels
Location: 810 Arizona Street San Marcos Senior Citizen's Center
Contact Email or Phone Number: 512-847-1781
Special Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
  Name: San Antonio Food Bank
Need: Volunteers to help in Community Farm and Garden assisting with fruits and vegetables, construction of square foot gardening boxes, etc.
Date/Time: Tue-Sat 9:30-11:30am and 1:30-3pm
Location: 5200 Old Hwy 90 San Antonio TX 78227
Contact Name: Diana Morales
Contact Email or Phone Number: dianamorales@safoodbank.org or 210-431-838

Name: Southside Community Center
Need: Volunteers needed to cook, serve, and wash dishes
Date/Time: The first Monday of each month from 4-6:30pm
Contact Email or Phone Number: Christchapel@txstate.edu


 Education Related:

Name: Reading Tutor or Mentor
Need : Reading tutors and mentors to help students progress
Date/Time: Mondays 3-4pm
Location : Travis and De Zavala Elementary Schools
Contact Name: Click San Marcos CISD Background Check form   for  background check form. Send completed form to
unitedwayjonathan@gmail.com by 9/21
Special Trainings/Orientation: Short orientation upon passing background check
 
Name: Boys & Girl's Clubs of South Central Texas Teen Services
Need : Volunteers for local Boys & Girls Club core Program area activities related to Education & Career, Fitness & Recreation, Character & Leadership, Social Recreation and the Arts.  
Contact Name: Elton Fite
Contact Email or Phone Number:  Elton.fite@bgcsct.org or 512-557-2839
Special Trainings/Orientation: A volunteer orientation is provided prior to volunteering and documentation of service hours is available. 
 
Name: Calvary Baptist Church
Need: Male & female volunteers to work with 4 yrs-5th grade as well as 6th-12th grade
Date/Time: 1 year commitment to come in 1 Tuesday a month 6:30-8:30pm
Location : 1906 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd San Marcos, TX 78666
Contact Name: Chanin Young
Contact Email or Phone Number: chaninyoung@yahoo.com
Special Trainings/Orientation: here .
 
Name: Greater San Marcos Youth Council (Emergency Youth Shelter)
Need:  Volunteers to help with homework, organize fundraisers, and play games. They also accept interns from Texas State.
Contact Name: Nena Meadows
Contact Email or Phone Number: nmeadows@gsmyc.org or 512-754-0500
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: San Marcos Public Library
Need:  Computer class volunteer tutors to help teach classes
Date/Time:  Wednesdays 10-11:30am or 5:30-6:30pm
Contact Name: Susan Smith
Contact Email or Phone Number: 512-393-8200
 
Name: YouthBuild Austin
Need :  Volunteer tutors to work 1:1 with 9th-12th grade students
Contact Name: Tashira Bradley
Contact Email or Phone Number: 
tbraley@americanyouthworks.org
Trainings/Orientation: Subjects include Algebra I, Algebra II, Math Models, Chemistry, Physics, Pre-cal, Integrated Chemistry & Physics

Child Related:

Name: CASA: Central Texas
Need :  Volunteers o serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care
Contact Name: Jarret Swierc
Contact Email or Phone Number:  512-392-3578
Trainings/Orientation: Must pass background check, be 21 or older, have valid driver's license, and insurance. Community Service Documentation provided

Name: GENaustin -Girls Empowerment Network
Need: Volunteers to lead ice breakers, small group work, activities, and discussions relevant to girls' lives
Date/Time: Weekly from 3:30-5pm
Contact Name: Brittany Yelverton
Contact Email or Phone Number: nmeadows@gsmyc.org 512-754-0500
britany@genaustin.org
Trainings/Orientation: Day-long service training required that typically occurs on Saturdays
 
Name: Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter
Need:  Volunteers to help women and children through child care, budgeting, etc. Projects made to fit volunteer's liking
Contact Name: Ashton Story
Contact Email or Phone Number: 
volunteercoord@saeseguin.org or 830-372-2781
Trainings/Orientation: Training is free
 
Name: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Need:  Childcare
Date/Time: Weekly commitment of 6 months
Contact Name: Zoe Arabzadegan
Contact Email or Phone Number: zoe@hcwc.org or 512-396-3404
Trainings/Orientation: Must attend first 4 classes of Advocate Training
 
Name: San Marcos Public Library
Need : Volunteers to read to 3 and 4 year olds in the childcare center
Date/Time: One morning a week
Contact Name: Susan Smith
Contact Email or Phone Number: 512-393-8200
 
Name: United Ways of Hays County
Need : Volunteers to read to young children
Date/Time: Fall semester
Contact Email or Phone Number:  unitedway@centurytel.net or 512-353-1420
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Need: Individual or group volunteers to help with kids, in the office, organizing donations etc.
Date/Time: A regular schedule of weekly or monthly
Contact Name: Kyana Beres
Contact Email or Phone Number: kberes@STjudesranch.org or 830-623-0659

Senior Citizen Related:

Name: Heart to Heart Hospice
Need: Volunteers to provide direct support as companionship, visiting, reading, singing, etc. Also volunteers to provide indirect patient support by filing, making copies, and more
Location: 1340 Wonder World Drive, Suite 78666
Contact name: Amy Riojas VC
Contact Email or Phone Number: ariojas@htohh.com or 512-557-1306
Trainings/Orientation: Interview and orientation process as well as light paperwork for each visit

Name: Kindred Hospice
Need: Volunteers provide needed compassion and socialization to patients facing end of life issues.  Volunteers can make a difference by providing caregiver relief, as a patient companion or in office offering administrative support.  The choice is yours and the hours are very flexible .
Contact Name: Julia Fisher
Contact Email or Phone Number: julia.fisher@gentiva.com or 512-392-9138
Trainings/Orientation: No experience necessary. Training and support provided

Name: Harbor Hospice
Need: Volunteers to visit patients, assist in housekeeping, gardening, and other errands as well as clerical work in office
Contact Name: Paula Ostroot
Contact Email or Phone Number: Postroot@harborhospice.com or 512-827-1539
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided

Name: Sodalis Assisted Living in San Marcos
Need : Volunteers to be matched with residents and build meaningful relationships with them
Date/Time: Once a week visits
Location : 1001 Crepe Myrtle St. San Marcos, TX 78666
Contact Name: Kiara Marshall
Contact Email or Phone Number: ksm92@txstate.edu
 
Name: Interim Hospice
Need : Volunteers to provide companionship, offer support to families, help with community outreach, etc.
Contact Name: Elizabeth Hoenemeyer
Contact Email or Phone Number:  elizabeth.hoenemeyer@interimhh.com
or 830-214-0129
 
Name: Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Need: Volunteers for Recreational Department Activities: assisting patients with bingo, arts & crafts, Movie nights, and 1:1 patient interactions
Location : 2468 FM 1101 New Braunfels TX 78130
Contact Name: June Silva
Contact Email or Phone Number: junesilva@legendhc.com or 830-420-6298
 
Name: San Marcos Housing Authority
Need:  Volunteers for working with a summer program for kids and working with elderly and disabled adults
Date/Time: Mon-Thurs from 3-6pm
Contact Email or Phone Number: info@smpha.org
 
Name: San Marcos Housing Authority
Need : Volunteers to help talk, visit with, play games, and assist in events
Location : Springtown Villa, 503 Springtown Way, San Marcos TX 78666
Contact Email or Phone Number: info@smpha.org
 
Name: San Marcos Senior Citizen Center
Need : Volunteers to call Bingo, Loteria, host games, help with food service, yard service, some cleaning. etc.
Location: Senior Citizen Center
Date/Time: 8-2pm
Contact Name: April Huggard
Contact Email or Phone Number:
ahuggard@communityaction.com
or 512-392-2427
Trainings/Orientation: Bilingual preferred
 
 
Animal Related:

Name: Prevent A Litter (PALS)
Need : Volunteers to help foster cats and kittens, help at their annual Petfest fundraiser in October 2016, help out with adoption events at Petco and Petopia, help to feed community cat colonies, assist in feral cat trap neuter return procedure
Contact Name: Nancy Gustafson
Contact Email or Phone Number: v olunteerpals@gmail.com or call 512-392-0632
Trainings/Orientation: Training and community service hours available
 
Name: San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter
Need: Volunteers to help walk dogs, interact with puppies and kittens, play with the animals, and participate in events!
Location : 750 River Road
Contact Email or Phone Number: 512-805-2650
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided. Visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/volunteerforpets
 


Parks and Recreation Related :

Name: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Need:  Individuals or groups to help maintain landscape on HCWC's campus; pulling weeds, watering plants, trimming shrubs
Date/Time:  Individual: weekly or bi-weekly, group: monthly
Contact Name:  Zoe Arabzadegan
Contact Email or Phone Number:  zoe@hcwc.org or 512-396-3404
Special Trainings/Orientation: 
Must complete online application & read online orientation manual


Name: San Marcos Parks and Recreation
Need : here

Name: San Marcos River Foundation
Need: Volunteers to help conduct a River Count.
Location :  117 Riviera Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 & 444 Pecan Park Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Date/Time:  Saturdays from 10am-6pm shifts are split up
Contact Name:  Grant Bradley Visit riverwatcher.org
Contact Email or Phone Number:  gab82@txstate.edu or 832-622-6389
Additional Info: Bring a bathing suit, towel, something to eat/drink, and sunscreen

Name: Centro Esperanza
Need : Volunteers to mow lawns, weed eat, water lawns, and pick up debris around center
Contact Name: Sulema Arrecis
Contact Email or Phone Number:  centroesperanza2050a@yahoo.com or 512-353-0356
 
Name: City of San Marcos Board and Commissions Eagle Scouts
Need: Volunteers for various needs
Contact Name: Nellie Junek
Contact Email or Phone Number: nelliejunek@yahoo.com or 512-353-0488
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: Habitat for Humanity
Need: Volunteers with gloves and close-toed shoes
Contact Name: Glenn Wier
Contact Email or Phone Number: 512-392-6601 or 512-753-5433
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance
Need : Volunteer for a variety of tasks including trail building, social media, outdoor recreation and geographic skills.
Contact Email or Phone Number: visit smgreenbelt.org, contact
smgreenbelt@gmail.com or 512-392-7457
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: San Marcos Parks and Recreation
Need : Volunteers for multiple opportunities
Contact Name: Catherine Marler
Contact Email or Phone Number:  cmarler@sanmarcostx.gov
Trainings/Orientation: click here to visit their newsletter and learn about more opportunities
 
Name: High Five Events
Need: Volunteers to assist in race events
Date: Ongoing
Contact Name: Jonathan Cruz
Contact Email or Phone Number:
jonathan@highfiveevents.com
 
Name: Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos
Need : Volunteers for flower bed maintenance
Date/Time: A couple hours once a week
Location : 211 Lee St. San Marcos TX 78666
Contact Name: Gloria Salazar
Contact Email or Phone Number:
centro@sanmarcoscentro.org or 512-878-0640

Office Related:

Name: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's Ambassador Volunteer Program
Need: Volunteers at various stations
Date/Time: Morning, afternoons, and evenings Sun-Sat
Location: Airport's Visitor's Information Center
Contact Name: Ramonika Carr
Contact Email or Phone Number:
VolunteeratABIA@austintexas.gov or 512-530-6610
Trainings/Orientation: Training/Background check. Must have own transportation, be 18, & communicate clear English

Name: Caritas of Austin
Need: Landlord Outreach special intern & Apartment Set-up Intern
Date/Time: Both ask for 4-6 months commitment of 18 hrs a week
Location: 611 Neches St. PO Box 1947
Contact Name: Laura DeGrush or Melissa Ortiz
Contact Email or Phone Number: ldegrush@caritasofaustin.org
For up to date opportunities, please visit: http://www.caritasofaustin.org/get-involved/volunteer
 
Name: Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos
Need : Volunteers of all levels from event/program planning to publicity as well as clean up
Location : 211 Lee St. San Marcos TX 78666
Contact Name: Gloria Salazar
Contact Email or Phone Number:
centro@sanmarcoscentro.org or 512-878-0640
 
Name: Centro Esperanza
Need : Volunteer to manage content for recently constructed website
Contact Name: Sulema Arrecis
Contact Email or Phone Number: centroesperanza2050a@yahoo.com
or 512-353-0356
 
Name: Children's Heart Foundation- Texas Chapter
Need: Volunteers to help with events, hold fundraisers, and more
Contact Name: Lea Astemborski
Contact Email or Phone Number: leasuzanne9@gmail.com or 512-695-0207
 
Name: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Need: Volunteers to handle confidential info and assist in administrative work, and/or help organizing the Donation Center
Date/Time: 2-4 hours a week
Location: Donation Center
Contact Name: Zoe Arabzadegan
Contact Email or Phone Number: zoe@hcwc.org or 512-396-3404
 
Name: Heart to Heart Hospice
Need: Volunteers for office duties and friendly visits
Contact Name: Nora Morales
Contact Email or Phone Number: nmorales@htohh.com or 512-667-6816
 
Name: Wimberley on Wheels (WOW)
Need : Volunteers to help with social media and outreach as well as conducting interviews and assessments
Contact Email or Phone Number:
wimberleyonwheels@gmail.com
 
Name: American Gateways
Need : Volunteers to work with immigrant survivors of abuse
Contact Name: Alfredo Gonzalez
Contact Email or Phone Number: 
alfredog@americangateways.org
Trainings/Orientation: Community Service Documentation provided
 
Name: The Walker's Gallery
Need: Volunteers to help prepare and hang art, publicity, and reception food preparation and serving
Location : 501 E. Hopkins St. San Marcos TX 78666
Contact Name: Linda Kelsey-Jones
Contact Email or Phone Number: lkj@centurytel.net or 512-787-2892
 
Now Seeking Donations

 
Name: St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Need: Donations of teen, baby, and children's clothes, hygiene products, diapers, furniture, books, etc.
Contact Name: Kyana Beres
Contact Email or Phone Number : kberes@STjudesranch.org or 830-623-0659
Special Instructions: They also take donations of Campbell labels and the front of used greeting cards.
 
Name: Greater San Marcos Youth Council (Emergency Youth Shelter)
Need: Ponytail holders/head bands/hair clips/brushes, Breakfast Cereal & Juice Boxes, Healthy snacks, Kitchen Towels and silverware, Hygiene products, Pull-ups, Diapers & Wipes
Contact Name: Nena Meadows
Contact Email or Phone Number: nmeadows@gsmyc.org or 512-754-0500
 
Name:  School Fuel San Marcos
Needs:  Financial donations to support local San Marcos school children who are at poverty level, homeless, or meet other criteria for School Fuel services. $215 provides a weekend sack of food for a child for one school year.  Special sacks are sent home three times a year; check out our web page ( School Fuel How to Help ) or Facebook page (School Fuel San Marcos) for more details.  Contents for the special sack are a 5-oz Hershey Bar, an 18-oz jar of peanut butter, and a sleeve of Ritz Crackers.
Contact Email or Phone Number: schoolfuel2013@yahoo.com or 512-826-1302
Web Address:  http://www.schoolfuelsanmarcos.org/
Mailing address:  102 Wonder World Drive, Ste 304-120, San Marcos, TX 78666
 
Name: Hays-Caldwell Women's Center
Need: Snacks and juice boxes for children, Full sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, lotion etc, Gently used, seasonally appropriate clothes for women and children, Washable tempera paint, Gently used household items like dishes and pots and pans, Small pieces of gently used furniture, New undergarments for women and children
Contact Name: Zoe Arabzadegan
Contact Email or Phone Number: zoe@hcwc.org or 512-396-3404

Name: San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter
Need: Kitten and Puppy food as well as Cat and Dog food (dry and canned), durable heating pads for vet services, laundry detergent, simple green cleaner, pet friendly plants for adoption lobby, hand sanitizers, 
Contact Name: Lauren Volpe
Contact Email or Phone Number: 
512-805-2603
 

Texas State University
Student Involvement 
LBJ Student Center
601 University Drive
 San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512) 245-3498
 
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