Starting with this issue, we as volunteers with the Blanco Good Samaritan Center are delighted to have a newspaper column that will allow us to share news and updates on a monthly basis.
As you may know, our all-volunteer center–which is a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization–provides food, clothing, and other aid to low-income families across Blanco County. We are funded by revenues generated by our thrift store and also by generous contributions given by individuals, churches, and other entities. We operate completely debt free.
The Good Samaritan was founded in April 1990 by citizens who answered a call made by the Blanco Ministerial Alliance to form a much-needed community outreach center. On that note, we plan to celebrate our 25th anniversary in April! Stay tuned for future information on a date and time.
In the years since, we have grown considerably in client numbers. For example, the center in January 2009 gave groceries to 120 families (392 people). In November 2014, we provided turkeys or whole chickens (along with other Thanksgiving fixings and regular groceries) to 239 families (804 people).
Toward serving our clients and customers even more, we now offer:
- Expanded hours of operation to include third Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and (most recently) Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Scheduled a food stamp representative to be available the second Monday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon at the center.
Our 2015 slate of officers include Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, president; Pi Stone, vice president; Kee Hudson, treasurer, and Cerice Spivey, secretary.
Blanco Good Samaritan Center, 620 Pecan St., 833-5269, samaritan@moment.net. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday and third Saturday, Thursdays until 6 p.m.
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