Be a Holiday Star: 6 Ways to Volunteer and Contribute Around San Antonio

Exchanging gifts with family and friends is a wonderful holiday tradition, but why stop there? Embrace the true spirit of giving by donating time, money or goods to these worthy causes around our Springs San Antonio luxury apartment communities.

1. Elf Louise Christmas Project

Yes, there really is an Elf Louise. She was a student at Trinity University in 1969 who wanted to help local families in need enjoy the holidays. Today Elf Louise's organization is 100 percent volunteer-driven, with more than 4,500 "elves" wrapping and delivering toys to area children each year. If you would like to make a donation, 98 cents of each dollar goes directly to the purchase and delivery of gifts.

2. Adopt-A-Family

For 25 years, Family Service Association of San Antonio has supported the community with its Adopt-A-Family holiday program. Donors are matched with a specific family to provide assistance through financial contributions and purchase of items such as clothing, linens, toiletries, cleaning supplies and toys. The organization also welcomes volunteers to help with gift wrapping and other seasonal duties.

3. Sponsor a Child

If you prefer a more individual option, SAMMinistries offers opportunities to "adopt" children for the holidays. SAMMinistries has a mission of helping the homeless attain self-sufficiency, and their holiday program lets parents devote precious funds to necessities without sacrificing gifts for their kids. No time to shop? Sign up to support a child or teen and volunteers will handle the rest.

4. H-E-B Feast of Sharing
Henry B. González Convention Center
900 E Market, San Antonio

Help warm the hearts and fill the bellies of underprivileged San Antonio residents by assisting at the annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing. Approximately 1,500 attendees receive a traditional holiday feast of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie served with a background of seasonal music and activities. This year's feast is scheduled for Saturday, December 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. San Antonio Food Bank
5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy, San Antonio
210.367.3663

The Food Bank has been generously supporting the San Antonio area since 1980, providing assistance to 58,000 individuals each week, and they are particularly in need of volunteers during the holidays. Register to sort and pack in the warehouse or prepare and distribute meals in the community kitchen. Kids are welcomed for many opportunities, so it's a great way for your family to give back together.

6. Animal Defense League of Texas

Animals shouldn't be homeless during the holidays, either. The ADL is a no-kill shelter that cares for animals while helping them find their forever home. Volunteers are needed for on-site help, and ADL also has a sponsorship program that lets you donate toward room and board, healthcare and other expenses. Help the cause and pick up some unique gifts by attending ADL's Holiday Artsy Barksy Art Stop at the pet adoption center on Friday, December 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Have a favorite holiday cause to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!