More than 500 St. Mary's University volunteers spread across San Antonio on Saturday to complete 2,000 hours of community service, kicking off the school year with a long-running tradition of giving back.

The annual event, called Continuing the Heritage Day of Service, has been part of the university for 30 years.

Students, staff and alums spent the day helping four local organizations: Towne Twin Village, Family Service-Presa Community Center, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and St. Stephen's CARE Center.