Holiday food drive begins at The Caring Place

Because of a dip in food intake this year, The Caring Place is holding a fundraiser over the winter months to support families in need.

“Last year we raised over $87,000 for the food pantry during the final three months of the year alone,” said David Earl, food programs and facilities director. “This year in the month of October, we had not quite reached $6,000. It’s a different kind of year.”

The Caring Place reported 681,838 pounds of food distributed to the community through their food pantry January through September, totalling $1,718,232 in contributions. This data does not include Central Texas Food Bank programs like Fresh Food for Families and Healthy Options Program for the Elderly, both also distributed by The Caring Place staff and volunteers.

“The food we distribute for free in the Food Pantry may equal $200-$400 of a household’s monthly budget,” Mr. Earl said. “These savings can bring relief and stability to many neighbors in our community.”

The Caring Place is asking residents this holiday season to support the food pantry. The goal is to make sure residents in underserved communities get the support they need.

Gifts can be made with a credit card at caringplacetx.org/donate. Checks may be mailed to The Caring Place, P.O. Box 1215, Georgetown, Texas, 78627. Designated “Food Pantry” on the memo line.

“It is through the generous support of our community, that we are prepared for whatever crisis arises,” Mr. Earl said. “When our community gives during the Hunger Free Holidays campaign, it allows us to make plans and adjust those plans all year long.” — Kate St. Clair