Map: Get the spirit and give back

If you've got the spirit, there are plenty of opportunities to donate food, gifts or time in the San Antonio area.

If you know of an organization accepting food or gift donations that is not already on our map, or a fundraiser that is not yet listed below, please email us at news@nowcastsa.org with the details.

View NOWCastSA 2011 Holiday Giving Guide in a full screen map

Though San Antonio has weathered the recent recession better than most, there has been an increase in need and a decrease of resources for nonprofit human services organizations.  Food banks across the country are short on donations, and the San Antonio Food Bank is among those in need.

There are a host of fundraising events for organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry and creating happy holiday memories for children and families. Above is a map of more than 230 locations accepting donated food or gifts, followed by a list of local holiday fundraising initiatives and events. 

You can donate food or gift items, participate in a charity event, volunteer your time with any of these organizations or visit their web sites for information on how to donate online.

Upcoming Fundraising Events

• Many families of the children Communities In Schools of San Antonio serves are struggling and do not have much to look forward to this year. Through our Holiday Wish Program, donors can provide some cheer by donating gifts, food baskets or funds to purchase these items. We will match donors with a family and send them the family’s wish list. Anyone wanting to adopt a CIS-SA family for the holidays can complete an information form, which can be returned to me via email at kmcqueen@cissa.org or by fax at 210-520-1104. 


• Summit Christian Center is providing Christmas Gifts for 1,500 children in the care of Child Protective Services at a Dec. 3 gift distribution party. Summit is accepting financial contributions to purchase wish-list items.


• Thru Dec. 22, Wheelie Gourmet food truck is offering 10% discounts on food orders to anyone who donates a new unwrapped toy for a child, infant up to 14 years old.


• The Tejas Rodeo Company Holiday Hunger Run 5K. Benefiting the Bulverde Food Pantry. Saturday, Dec. 3, 7:30 a.m.


• Fish City Grill will donate 15% of its daily sales to the Elf Louise Christmas Project on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.


• 24th Annual Golf Louise Tournament benefitting the Elf Louise Christmas Project on Saturday, Dec. 10, 8 a.m.
  


• Girls Inc. of San Antonio is seeking donations for girls to attend the Girls Inc. Holiday Camp, open for girls ages 6 thru 8 Dec. 19-21, 2011. The price for each girl to attend is $75, which will provide her breakfast, snacks and field trip.


• Can't make it to a drop-off site? Donate food to the San Antonio Food Bank through its online virtual shopping cart.