A longtime Georgetown nonprofit has changed its name, but not its mission. The Assistance League of Georgetown is officially rebranding to Uplift Wilco, and will become an independent nonprofit on June 1.
Announced during the nonprofit’s sold-out annual gala at The Vineyard in Florence, the organization raised more than $122,000. The event was led by auctioneer Gayle Stallings.
Last year, the Assistance League raised more than $57,000. Since then, the organization has grown from 180 to more than 225 members, making it the perfect time to transition to Uplift Wilco.
“I’m just delighted,” President Marilyn Kounnas said. “We’ve been building the last couple of years, just momentum after momentum. Thrift Shop sales are high, our volunteers are so excited, getting new grants. We have just built this new momentum into becoming our own nonprofit.”
For the past 25 years, the organization has been part of the national Assistance League nonprofit, which supports community members and children with clothing and essential needs, especially in support of education.
With the money raised staying in Wilco, Ms. Kounnas said Uplift Wilco will expand its programs and build a new thrift shop to help better the community.
Operated all by volunteers, the funds raised at the gala will help the following organization programs:
- Uplift Wilco Ready for School – Serving students from Head Start through middle school by providing new clothing and shoes to over 2,500 students each year across five Williamson County school districts, helping build confidence and support academic success.
- Uplift Wilco Learners – A literacy initiative that supports elementary students through reading materials and volunteers who read with children one-on-one and in small groups.
- Uplift Wilco Scholars – Provides scholarships to qualifying high school graduates pursuing higher education, including college, university, and vocational programs.
- Uplift Wilco Teachers – Supports educators by providing grants that allow teachers to enhance the learning environment and student outcomes.
- Uplift Wilco Bridges to Opportunities – Partners with the Georgetown ISD Bridges Program to support students with special needs as they transition from school to independent adult life.
- Uplift Wilco Outreach – Addresses urgent needs within the community by assisting families and individuals facing immediate challenges.
Uplift Wilco came from community collaboration. Ms. Kounnas said members came up with the name. In total, 84 people submitted names and after a vote, Uplift Wilco became the nonprofit’s new identity.
On June 2, Uplift Wilco will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new thrift store building. Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder is set to be in attendance.
“You just feel it when you walk in our Thrift Shop,” Ms. Kounnas said. “You can just feel the excitement that everybody has. We are just so excited to give back to the community.”
Jo-Anne Martin, next year’s president for Uplift Wilco, encouraged attendees to look ahead at what the future will hold for the kids in Williamson County.
“It’s neighbor standing beside neighbor and saying, ‘We are in this together,’” Ms. Martin said. “Every story you hear, every dollar raised, every moment of connection, is part of something bigger: a future where families in Williamson County are supported, resilient and thriving.”
For those who want to support Uplift Wilco, the existing thrift store is located on 900 North Austin Avenue, Suite 115, in Georgetown and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The work of Uplift Wilco doesn’t end tonight, in fact, it’s just beginning,” Ms. Martin said. “Stay connected, stay engaged, be a champion for the families and children that need us the most. Together, we are not just imagining a stronger community, we are creating one.”