It’s one of the questions we receive most often here at San Antonio Things to Do:
“Where can I take my kids and teens to volunteer in San Antonio?”
We’ve done our research to bring you this special list of holiday volunteer opportunities for families with kids, ages 12 and under. And, we’ve compiled a list of holiday volunteer opportunities for teens too (ages 13+). Know of an opportunity we missed? Please leave it in the comments below (with a link to more info if you can!).
Holiday volunteer opportunities for kids and families:
Family Service Association’s Adopt-a-Family program
Our family participated in FSA’s Adopt-a-Family program during the holidays last year and we’ll do so again this year. Sign your family up as a sponsor and FSA will match your family with one here in San Antonio who is less fortunate. You’ll receive details about each family member, along with a few ideas for gifts they need or want to receive. It’s a great time to holiday shop with your kids and talk with them about giving back to our community. When your shopping is complete, schedule a family gift-wrap day to prepare your gifts for delivery. Then, deliver them to the Family Service Association on the designated day. FSA’s elves collect and then later distribute the gifts, making this a very holiday season for your adopted family.
In the past, over 260 sponsors/adopters, 536 volunteer gift wrappers, and 230 other volunteers offered care and holiday support to over 535 Family Service Association clients — with over 2,400 children, parents, and seniors.
Families asking to receive gifts, from the community are put on a waitlist and are matched as sponsors become available. Currently, FSA has 60 unmatched families.
San Antonio Food Bank Warehouse Sorting and Packing Volunteer
Families are welcome to bring children (as long as they are supervised and wear closed-toe shoes) to help sort and pack in the warehouse. When applying, be sure to mention any children who will accompany you.
SAMMinistries
SAMMinistries offers many volunteer opportunities during the holidays for special Christmas events and throughout the rest of the year. The following may be of interest to families. Please contact SAMM Volunteer Services at 210-321-5639 for more information.
Volunteer as a family – Family Volunteer Days
Cleaning, painting, and gardening are vital to ensuring a safe, beautiful home for our residents. Families can volunteer at SAMMinistries by helping with day-to-day tasks at the Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC). Projects may include: deep cleaning kitchen, cleaning and sanitizing toys in child care rooms, outdoor gardening and clean up, car wash for SAMMinistries vehicles, and immediate need projects. One Saturday a Month 10am-12pm.
Special Events
Throughout the year, SAMMinistries hosts various special events. You can assist the SAMM team at events like our Empty Bowls fundraiser in March, Our Back to School Bash in August, or Christmas Events at the end of the year. Days and times vary.
Elf Louise Christmas Project
Gift wrapping is not age limited, however, they are full for groups at all time slots. Individuals and small families may come during our gift wrapping hours as walk-ins. There’s also break down and clean up suggested for volunteers 15 and over.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
Join in the festivities and experience the joy as we stop in communities all over Texas to provide holiday meals and good cheer at our annual H‑E‑B Feast of Sharing holiday dinner.
Hill Country Daily Bread in Boerne offers multiple ways for your family to volunteer during the holiday season, both for Thanksgiving and Christmas. From family mentorship to food distribution, it’s a great place for you and your family to get involved.
Morningside Ministries focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families. With locations in both San Antonio and Boerne, there are opportunities for volunteers of all ages both for holiday events and year-round.
Holiday volunteer opportunities for teens:
Elf Louise
Opportunities for teens, ages 15+
Elf Louise offers several volunteer opportunities for teens, ages 15 and up. Most are limited to a few people at a time and you must register as individuals, not groups, on their website under the volunteer tab. Many of slots are filled, but sometimes, cancellations occur.
We always try to call shelters and food banks to see what items we are short on and grab a case of it for them. They get what they need and our kids do a good deed. Also, care ziplocs for homeless on the corners with hiegene items, some granola bars, candy, cigarettes (valueable to them even though we don’t smoke), and some clean underwear/socks and a 5$ bill. They seem to appreciate that.
These are all wonderful ideas. Thank you for sharing and happy holidays!
I would like to volunteer.
Marilyn, thank you for your comment. That’s great! Be sure to contact one of the organizations above.
Yes I am trying to figure out how me and my husband can help with anything this holiday season
Love this! It’s so important to teach our children to be compassionate and help others! Thanks!
This is great thoughts to be teach to our children. Learn to help others in need. Be a volunteer , be a part.It’s great!! Thank you for posting.
What is available on Thanksgiving day? Can we serve at Raul Jimenez with kids?