Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in San Antonio to support with your time.

Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast — there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are just a few ways to get involved in the Alamo City.

If the holidays are your favorite time of the year

Elf Louise | The Elf Louise Christmas Project is dedicated to providing a bit of joy to children in Bexar County. This year they are looking to add volunteers for toy stockers, Santa delivery team, data entry, cleanup + breakdown, and gift wrapping.

FMA Provincial House Christmas Boutique | Help volunteer with the Salesian Sisters in San Antonio for the annual Christmas boutique event, when the local community can enjoy a variety of handmade crafts, baked items, jewelry, Christmas decor, and more — and every purchase and raffle tickets helps support the retired and infirm.

If you want to stay in your home

Raul Jimenez Dinner | While volunteer opportunities for delivering and serving meals have passed, you can still give a monetary donation to feed 25,000 people on Thanksgiving Day.

SAMMinistries | Donate online today to help support this organization, which assists local individuals and families experiencing homelessness and helps them get back on their feet.

Supporters of Veterans today + everyday

Soldiers' Angels | This locally operated 501(c)3 charity supports service members, guardsmen, reservists, military families, and veterans with food drives, care packages, adopt a family programming and more. Volunteers have the opportunity to work virtually or in person.

Have creative materials laying around your home? Consider donating them to Spare Parts. | Photo by Spare Parts

For the artsy types

Briscoe Western Art Museum | Give back to our local western art museum as either a Docent Volunteer (help share the art, artifacts and story of the West through tours with visitors year-round) or as an Events Volunteer.

Spare Parts San Antonio | This center for creatives is always seeking volunteers to help with sorting, organizing, and pricing material donations.

Witte Museum | Opportunities include assisting visitors in the gallery spaces, hands-on learning experiences, helping with large special events (Game Dinner and Cocktails + Cultures) assisting administrative or collections teams, and more.

If you’re an animal lover

San Antonio Animal Care Services |The shelter is in need of volunteers to help bottle feed kittens + puppies or foster rescues.

San Antonio Humane Society | This local animal shelter is looking for volunteers of all ages to help with daily tasks, community outreach, public relations, fostering, animal care + behavior, and more.

Check out a free microchipping event by ACS. | Photo by Animal Care Services

San Antonio Pets Alive! | Foster, monetary + vehicle donations, and naming animals are ways to make an impact our animal community.

For the handy-worker

Habitat for Humanity San Antonio | The non-profit housing organization builds homes year-round and needs volunteers to help with construction Tuesdays through Saturdays, 7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

San Antonio Parks and Recreation | Take a look at its event portal for upcoming volunteer opportunities like mulching a park, litter pick up, and trail watch.

If you’re passionate about supporting local community groups

Fiesta Youth | This organization serves LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. You can donate your time by facilitating weekly youth meetings + helping with their annual events.

Period Palooza | This local group advocates for women menstrual health by conducting community outrach + events as well as offering donation boxes around the city for feminine products. It currently has a call for volunteers event happening on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Folklores Coffee House.

The social butterflies

San Antonio Threads | The mission of this non-profit is to provide youth with free new clothes and are always looking for volunteer “stylists” to give shoppers a VIP experience by assisting them with finding their correct sizes, colors + more.

The outdoorsy types

Bexar Branches Alliance | This local nonprofit is dedicated to expanding + preserving San Antonio's natural tree canopy. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, it needs volunteers to help prune tree canopies.

San Antonio Missions National Historic Park | Volunteer with our local National Park by helping with administrative support, keeping the grounds clean, visitor services, and more.

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation | The organization rescues 10,000 animals per year and depends on volunteers to continue operating. You can help by volunteering your time in its maintenance, rescue, or transport departments.

Volunteer with the National Park Service at one of its local events. | Photo by San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

San Antonio River Authority | Become a River Warrior and help keep our local waterways clean.

Trash for Change | Educating the public through environmental stewardship, this group focuses on keeping public spaces trash-free.

River Aid SA | This organization strives to keep the San Antonio River Basin clean and has collected over 400,000 pounds of trash.

If you live + breathe San Antonio

Keep San Antonio Beautiful | Make a difference by volunteering to clean up the neighborhoods in the Alamo City. They host numerous events throughout the year that you can sign up for.

San Antonio Sports | The athletic nonprofit organization contributes to the execution of sporting events including the annual San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and the All-American Bowl from pre-event planning to the post-event wrap up.

San Antonio Food Bank | Fighting hunger in the South Texas region, you can volunteer at its Urban Farm at Mission San Juan or its food packing facility.