AUSTIN, Texas -- More than 300 Austin families are learning about new ways they can make a difference in the community.

As a way to celebrate National Family Volunteer Day, the group Generation SERVE is providing a one stop shop to find ways to give back.

The city-wide day of service helped more than 30 community non-profits showcase 24 different service projects. Directors say it's a great way to kick-off the holiday season and they hope the generosity will continue all year long.

"It's a really good way for families who haven't had an opportunity to come out and volunteer to just sample what kinds of needs there are in our community and to try different service projects to see what they like,” said Marissa Vogel, with Generation SERVE.

This was the first year for the city-wide service event. The hope is for it to continue into the future. Volunteer opportunities ranged from education, to poverty, to animal welfare.