June 1, 2020
A Message from Our Executive Director:
"We are eager to fully reopen our services, stores and donations. However, it's something we want to do with as much care as possible for our staff, volunteers and community. The safety of everyone is critical. The Caring Place’s priority is to steadfastly assist those in need throughout this pandemic, and we need healthy staff to do that. Therefore, we are taking a phased approach to opening. We expect to keep learning as we cautiously reopen our Programs and Services and thrift store. We greatly appreciate your understanding as we share new procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. Thank you for your continued support." -Ginna O'Connor, Executive Director
June 1st Brings a Big Update!
What you Need to Know About Our Services to Those in Need...
The Caring Place Programs and Services opens, June 1st in a new format. The Caring Place is still operating without its many volunteers and utilizing various safety precautions. For this reason, here are the details the community needs to know before arriving at The Caring Place for services, shopping or food:
Programs & Services via Telephone:

  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Services: Financial Assistance will be limited to rent, mortgage, utilities and emergency dental and prescription assistance. All financial assistance will be handled remotely. Non-financial assistance (i.e. clothing, appliances, housewares, etc.) is not available at this time. Please call 512-943-0709 and leave a message regarding your need and someone will contact you within 48 business hours with the next steps. Please do not arrive at The Caring Place office unless instructed by staff. Programs & Services staff will direct you via phone or email if you need to print documents to return at our office at 2001 Railroad Avenue.
Food Programs:    

Current food programs are open to all neighbors in need or impacted by COVID-19. The Caring Place practices social distancing, and you will not need to exit your vehicle during food distribution. You do not need to bring anything to receive food. You will answer a few simple questions from your car. Have questions about Food Programs? Please call our main line at 512-943-0700.
Drive Through Food Pantry
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. join us in the 2000 Railroad drive through to receive shelf stable food items and occasional fresh items.
Fresh Food for Families
On the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of the month The Caring Place offers "Fresh Food for Families" in the 2000 Railroad Drive through. The fast-paced event runs 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. During the month of June, this event is on June 1st, 15th and 29th.

Food Programs in the Bartlett Area:

  • June 10th (2nd Wednesday of the month) 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 645 West Clark St. in Bartlett.
What About Shopping?

The Shops at The Caring Place at 2000 Railroad Avenue is now open with reduced hours and other changes: 

Hours:   Monday - Friday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Additional Things to Know:

  • Public restrooms and dressing rooms are not available at this time.
  • Customers and Staff are required to wear masks.
  • Hand sanitizer is available and encouraged upon entry.
  • Practice social distancing and stay 6 feet apart.
  • Children 12 and under must stay with an adult at all times.
  • Second Helping at 3700 Williams Drive is not open yet.
How Can You Donate Items?

The Caring Place Donations department will be open on scheduled days to accept donations from the public in a new format. You will find those dates as they are made available at www.caringplacetx.org/covid19 . In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, The Caring Place is still operating without its many volunteers and utilizing various safety precautions. For this reason, here are the details the community needs to know when coming to The Caring Place to make item donations:

NEW DROP-OFF PROCEDURES:
  • New procedures should be reviewed on our website before visiting The Caring Place to donate items. Updates are expected. www.caringplacetx.org/covid19

NEW ITEM LIMITATIONS:
At this time, The Caring Place is temporarily reducing the types of items it can take because of the time and labor needed to properly process them. This list will be updated as needed and can be found at www.caringplacetx.org/covid19 .

This is the list of items currently accepted as the reopening of Donations is initiated:
  • Adult/Children's Clothing
  • Shoes & Accessories
  • Books
  • Toys (no games, puzzles, large toys or plush toys)
  • Sheets, Towels
  • Cookware, Pots & Pans
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Antiques & Collectibles 
  • Housewares & Interior Decor (no lamps, wall art, rugs, furniture or frames)
  • Medical Equipment (no electric scooters)
  • Walkers
  • Potty Chairs
  • Shower Chairs
Learn Even More...
Right now, the best place to get the latest is www.caringplacetx.org/covid19 , but don't forget we also keep a collection of blog stories and press releases on our website which are also great ways to learn about what's going on at The Caring Place.

There are many important ways to help The Caring Place right now...

The Caring Place's Mission to provide for the basic human needs of all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way is more alive than ever. We have created this list of ways to help and ask you to assist in every way you can. With your help, The Caring Place will not only help thousands of people in our community through this difficult time, but also secure The Caring Place's future in our community.

  • Financial donations are the safest way to help at this time. Your donations help with critical needs like rent, utilities and food for neighbors in need. You can donate at www.caringplacetx.org/donate or create a Facebook fundraiser benefiting The Caring Place. (Listed at Georgetown Community Service Center dba The Caring Place on Facebook) You may also send checks to P.O. Box 1215, Georgetown, Texas, 78627.

  • Online shopping is more popular than ever. Please use the AmazonSmile platform to do your online shopping and designate The Caring Place as your nonprofit. .5% of your purchases will benefit The Caring Place. You must use the AmazonSmile platform for every purchase.

  • If you are shopping at Randalls for your essentials, please ensure that you have selected The Caring Place as your nonprofit. 1% of your purchases will benefit The Caring Place. The Caring Place’s account number is 13870. The Good Neighbor program form can be found online and should be returned to the Randalls courtesy booth.

  • The City of Georgetown sponsors the Good Neighbor Fund, a program to assist eligible Georgetown Utility customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bill. Voluntary contributions from customers like you fund this program, which is administered by The Caring Place on behalf of the City. Contributions can be made to the fund by paying the total due on your utility bill, plus one dollar. You are also able to make a monthly pledge, which will be billed to your utility bill, and can be cancelled at any time for those families paying their bill electronically. You can enroll in this program by simply checking the box on your utility bill each month and writing the check for $1 more, or by completing the pledge form on-line at the City’s website.

Hold on to those item donations
  • Once stores are operating regularly, it will be imperative that they are stocked with items to sell. Save your wonderful items for us and wait for us to share which days we are accepting donations.

Shop
  • When our stores were closed, we lost an average revenue of $150,000 per month! We welcome you back to shop to help us recoup that loss! We understand things are a little different, but please know the safety of this mission is our priority.

Share
  • Share our Mission, share how friends can help and share how neighbors can receive help in these uncertain times. You can find The Caring Place active on various Social Media platforms and even in your e-mail inbox.


Items in red are clickable links.
The Caring Place Mission:

To provide for the basic human needs of all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way.
Thank you for your support!