San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (SAARC)

Connecting Our Community When It Matters Most

In times of crisis, when cell towers go down, internet service fails, and traditional communication systems are overwhelmed, one reliable lifeline remains—amateur radio.

The San Angelo Amateur Radio Club (SAARC) and the Tom Green County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) are all-volunteer, nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving West Texas through communication, education, and emergency response. Our members are trained, licensed amateur radio operators who step up when our community needs them most—providing critical communication support during disasters, severe weather events, public safety incidents, and community emergencies.

We work side-by-side with local emergency management, fire departments, law enforcement, and health agencies to ensure that vital information continues to flow when every second counts. Simply put, when other systems fail, we don’t.

But our mission goes beyond emergency response.

SAARC and ARES are committed to building a stronger, more connected community through education and outreach. We provide hands-on training, licensing classes, and STEM-based learning opportunities for individuals of all ages. From students discovering technology for the first time to adults seeking meaningful ways to serve their community, we open the door to knowledge, skills, and public service.

We are neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteers serving without pay. A team bound by a shared commitment to readiness, resilience, and community support.

Why We Need Your Help

To continue this mission, we rely on the generosity of our community. Donations directly support:

• Emergency communication equipment and maintenance
• Antennas, radios, and backup power systems
• Training programs and licensing classes
• Community outreach and STEM education initiatives
• Preparedness efforts that keep our region ready for the unexpected

Every dollar helps ensure that when disaster strikes, San Angelo and the surrounding communities are not left in silence.

Be Part of the Connection

Your support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in public safety, education, and community resilience. Together, we can ensure that no call for help goes unheard.

If you would like to donate or learn more about how to support the San Angelo Amateur Radio Club and Tom Green County ARES, please visit our official donation San Angelo Gives pages or reach out to one of our members.

Help us stay ready. Help us stay connected. Help us serve.    

Voices from Our Community

“As a student, amateur radio introduced me to the world of communications, electronics, and problem-solving through fun, hands-on STEM workshops.”
What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into a passion. Through interactive learning and real-world experiences, I was able to explore technology in a way that textbooks alone could never provide. The mentorship and encouragement I received helped build my confidence and sparked my interest in engineering. Amateur radio didn’t just teach me skills—it opened the door to a future I hadn’t imagined before.

“During local disasters, amateur radio operators are on the front lines—keeping communication flowing when cell towers go down.”
I’ve witnessed firsthand how vital these volunteers are in times of crisis. When traditional communication systems fail, amateur radio continues to work. These operators step in without hesitation, providing real-time communication between emergency responders, shelters, and local agencies. Their work is essential for public safety, helping ensure that critical information reaches the right people when every second matters.

“Ham radio empowers youth and adults alike through education, mentorship, and service.”
This organization creates opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and give back. Whether you’re a student discovering STEM for the first time or an adult looking to serve your community, there is a place here for you. Through training, outreach, and hands-on experiences, members gain valuable technical knowledge along with leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.

“Being part of this community has opened doors I never imagined—both technically and personally.”
Amateur radio is more than a hobby—it’s a network of people dedicated to helping one another and serving the greater good. The relationships built here are just as meaningful as the skills gained. It’s a community that fosters belonging, purpose, and a shared commitment to readiness and service.

“Your support makes all of this possible.”
Every training session, every piece of equipment, and every emergency response depends on the support of our community. Donations help ensure that SAARC and ARES volunteers are equipped, trained, and ready to respond at a moment’s notice. When you give, you are investing in public safety, education, and the resilience of West Texas.