One of the fastest ways to feel at home in Buda is to show up. Whether you have an hour a month or want a standing commitment, there’s a club, cause or city program that could use you. This guide is a starting point. Contact each group for current meeting times and openings.
Not Sure Where to Start?
- Like big community events? Volunteer with the City of Buda at Budafest or Buda’s Birthday.
- Want to shape how the city grows? Apply for a city board or commission.
- Love books? Join the Friends of the Buda Library.
- Want hands-on service? Help sort and distribute food with the Hays County Food Bank or a local pantry.
- Looking for a club? The Buda Lions Club has served the community since 1975.
City of Buda
Become an Official Buda Volunteer
The city recruits volunteers for its special events, including Buda’s Birthday (first weekend in April), the Spring Sip N Stroll (early May), Budafest (first weekend in December), the Holiday Sip N Stroll and Buda Holiday Lights. The library and police department also use volunteers, for example at National Night Out, Blue Santa/Shop with a Cop and Neighborhood Watch. Volunteers must generally be at least 13.
Boards & Commissions
The City Council appoints residents of Buda and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to its boards, commissions and committees. Applications usually open from January through March, with appointments in April, and mid-term vacancies are filled year-round. Questions go to the City Clerk at 512-523-1082.
Civic & Service Organizations
Buda Lions Club
The Buda Lions have been part of the community since 1975. The club pays for eye exams and glasses for local children whose families can’t cover the cost, sends kids to the Texas Lions Camp and awards scholarships to graduating seniors each year. They also run the Buda Lions Country Fair & Wiener Dog Races. Learn more at budalions.com.
VFW Post 12058 (Kyle/Buda)
The Kyle/Buda VFW post meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at 103 S. Front Street in Kyle, according to TexVet. Confirm details with the post before you go.
Buda’s Chamber of Commerce
Business owners and professionals can connect through the chamber’s luncheons and events. See the chamber events calendar.
Helping Your Neighbors
Hays County Food Bank
Volunteers help as market assistants, drivers, food rescue and processing crews, warehouse sorters and distribution teams. Most shifts are Monday through Friday at the food bank in San Marcos.
Buda United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Buda UMC runs a food pantry that helps about 400 families a month. Contact the church about donating or volunteering: budaumc.org.
Books, Learning & the Library
Friends of the Buda Library
This volunteer-led nonprofit has supported the Buda Public Library since 1992. Members raise money for programs and collections, help at the library’s free events and run a book club. Join or volunteer at friendsofthebudalibrary.org.
Library volunteers
The library itself takes volunteers for shelving, plant care, the makers lab and more, with orientations offered as openings come up. See the library’s volunteer page.
Know a Group We Should Add?
If your club, nonprofit or volunteer group welcomes Buda neighbors, send us the details.