About 900 volunteers spread out to 32 sites throughout San Antonio on Saturday, Aug. 24, to do good for those in need, a record-breaking effort for the bi-annual event. Continuing the Heritage brings together University students, faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer for various community projects, such as graffiti abatement, yardwork, packaging and delivering food and clothing for the poor, and working with children and animals.

The 881 volunteers shattered the previous high of 739 set last fall. The crew totaled 3,977 hours of service on Saturday. Since 2006, over 6,000 volunteers have offered more than 30,000 hours to organizations that provide much-needed services throughout the area.

Volunteers gathered on the campus of St. Mary’s University at 7:30 a.m. for an opening ceremony, which included breakfast and prayer, before beginning their morning of service. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, they dispersed to the sites, including:

  • Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower’s Garden of St. Therese at 1111 Culebra Road. Volunteers assisted with a community garden.
  • San Antonio Pets Alive at 4710 State Highway 151 and 9107 Marbach Road, Ste. 109. Volunteers cared for dogs and cats and helped facilitate adoptions.
  • Habitat for Humanity at 8911 Excellence Drive. Volunteers helped build a house.
  • Guide Dogs of Texas at 1503 Allena Drive. Volunteers beautified the free-run and puppy enrichment areas and met a guide-dog user.
  • Haven for Hope at 1 Haven for Hope Way. Volunteers helped serve food.
  • San Antonio Missions National Historical Park at 6701 San Jose Drive. Volunteers cleaned Six Mile Creek, which was overwhelmed with debris during recent flooding.
  • St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home at 919 Mission Road. Volunteers spent time with children doing crafts and team-building activities.
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