Best of the best

2 Pearl tenants nominated for prestigious USA Today Awards

The grounds of the Pearl Brewery outside the Food Hall

Nick Simonite

In case you needed another excuse to head to the Pearl this summer, Potluck Hospitality's Food Hall and Pearl Markets have been nominated for the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers Choice Awards.

And yes, there's still time to vote for the city's local gems. Readers have until July 3 to vote for their favorites (here's the link – everyone can cast their votes once a day until voting ends on July 3.)

There's also one other San Antonio establishment up for a USA TODAY Readers Choice Award: The historic Market Square is nominated in the Best Public Market category (the Pearl Farmer's Market is nominated in the best Farmer's Market category, just FYI.)

The monumental achievement was acknowledged by Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who spoke for the city as a whole when he said in an official statement: "We are thrilled to see San Antonio represented on this year’s 10 Best list of nominees ... Both Pearl and Market Square are two of some of our city’s most beloved destinations within our beautiful city, and we hope the voters will come out in full force to demonstrate our pride of place."

We know what you're thinking: How do you check on the competition? It's all consolidated at the USAToday Readers Choice Awards website.

For example, the Pearl Food Hall is up against countrywide favorites like the Little Italy Food Hall in San Diego, Chelsea Market in New York City, and Denver Central Market, amongst others.

Since the San Antonio favorites are up against some of the best spots in the country, it's up to us to vote every single day until Independence Day Eve (a good way to remember the voting deadline!)

SEASON OF GIVING

8 ways to give back during San Antonio's 2024 holiday season

San Antonio Pets Alive/ Facebook

Pups pose with Santa and the Grinch during a San Antonio Pets Alive! fundraiser.

It's hardly a hot take to say the holidays have gotten too commercial, but no amount of grousing will stop the annual gifting rush. Living up to one's values requires a little more thought. With so many community needs, it can feel overwhelming to adopt a cause.

We'll make it easier. San Antonians can use a platform like GuideStar to research the nonprofit landscape as they dive in. But to get things rolling, we've vetted eight favorite San Antonio charities that could use help now. Whether prospective volunteers are interested in social justice or animal welfare, we hope this list will help kickstart a giving year for those who can spare the time or resources.

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Since 1980, this West Side gem has been a leading light in preserving the cultural contributions of Latine and Indigenous Americans through annual programming like Cinefestival and the Texas Conjunto Festival. Art-lovers can make an impact by volunteering at one of the center's events or becoming members for as low as $25.

Green Spaces Alliance
Aiming to connect locals to Bexar County's natural bounty, this trust protects undeveloped land and water resources while supporting community gardens. Cash gifts are pivotal to its work, and the volunteer opportunities range from administrative jobs to working on land conservation projects.

Haven for Hope
Far more than shelter for neighbors experiencing homelessness, Haven for Hope offers a comprehensive suite of services addressing root causes and providing transformative, compassionate care. The center always needs financial support, whether through direct donations or in-kind contributions of personal or household goods.

The Rape Crisis Center
San Antonio's Rape Crisis Center offers 24/7 crisis support, free and confidential counseling, and a prevention education program focused on fostering healthy relationships and driving social change. Volunteer opportunities include community outreach, hospital advocacy, administrative work, and crisis hotline support. Donations are also welcome.

San Antonio Food Bank
Food insecurity is a crucial issue in San Antonio, affecting 14 percent of Bexar County residents and a jaw-dropping one in five children. The San Antonio Food Bank helps ensure more than 100,000 locals have enough to eat each week. With such a staggering need, the nonprofit relies on community support to fund its programs, organize food drives, and find volunteers for distribution centers, farms, and the main warehouse.

San Antonio Pets Alive!
This no-kill shelter provides safe harbor for San Antonio's most vulnerable animals, including sick, injured, or abused pets. As temperatures drop, the need for homes becomes even more acute. San Antonians can help their furry friends through various giving models, fostering an animal, or purchasing supplies. The organization keeps an updated wish list on its website.

Say Sí
Say Sí believes in the power of young people, providing creative and leadership training for San Antonio youth. Its programs also offer a safe space for marginalized people, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and those experiencing financial hardship. Contribute by making a one-time donation or becoming a Corazón member. The monthly commitment ranges from $10 to $100.

Texas Yes Project
The largest distributor of school supplies in South Central Texas invests in the academic success of Texas youth by providing classroom grants and school supplies to thousands of children. The nonprofit puts its impact front and center by itemizing the reach of cash support and providing volunteer tasks like reading to students.

Thrive Youth Center
In addition to providing safe housing for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, Thrive Youth Center offers various resources to help youth develop self-sufficiency, secure employment, and pursue educational goals. Giveback options include directly donating or buying everyday items through an Amazon wishlist.

charity guide nonprofits pets culture arts environment lgbtq education social-services charity