In response to COVID-19 concerns, as well as the safety and well-being of all who come to The Caring Place, we are announcing the following immediate changes in operations:
- Both thrift stores, The Shops at The Caring Place located at 2000 Railroad Avenue and Second Helping at 3700 Williams Drive, are closed until further notice.
- Donations drive through at 2000 Railroad Avenue is closed until further notice and item pick-ups are suspended.
- Programs & Services at 2001 Railroad Avenue and the Food Pantry at 2000 Railroad will resume services on Tuesday, March 17th.
- All of The Caring Place is closed Monday, March 16th for planning, with the exception of Fresh Food for Families.
- Fresh Food for Families will continue at 2000 Railroad Avenue at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16th. This event distributes fresh food in The Caring Place drive through to any family that needs produce. Walk up service will be available for those who do not have a car. Staff only will be distributing for this event.
- All volunteers of the Caring Place will not report for their volunteer assignments.
Executive Director Ginna O’Connor shares, “We believe as a community when a crisis arrives, we are all in it together. The coronavirus outbreak is no exception. As you have supported us for the last 35 years, we are here to support you, too. With that in mind, we at The Caring Place want to update you on some of the important actions we are taking in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to keep our volunteers, neighbors and staff safer. As you may know, The Caring Place is home to nearly 500 dedicated volunteers. Much of the work of The Caring Place is in their hands every single day. So, it is with a heart full of love and concern for our many wonderful volunteers and members of our community, that The Caring Place is making some hard choices, which include this partial closure and the request that all volunteers do not come to The Caring Place at this time.”
Doors will remain open for those individuals who need food and assistance with bills and case management through Programs & Services. The Caring Place will operate with its small team of staff to ensure volunteers that may be vulnerable are not increasing their risk by being at The Caring Place. For neighbors and staff who will be at The Caring Place during this partial closure, The Caring Place is taking many precautions and encourages you to help in order for everyone to remain healthy. Please heed the following:
- Utilize sanitizing stations in the building after touching items.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day.
- The Caring Place staff is disinfecting surfaces regularly.
- Stay home if you are not well or live with someone who has the coronavirus or has flu-like symptoms. Do not return to The Caring Place until you and your family members are fever-free without medication for at least 48 hours.
Due to a rapidly evolving situation, The Caring Place requests that the community follow it on Facebook @thecaringplace for the latest information or activity changes at the organization. You can also sign up for the organization’s electronic newsletter at www.caringplacetx.org/newsletter.
ABOUT THE CARING PLACE
Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way. Through two thrift shops, The Shops at The Caring Place and Second Helping, both in Georgetown, the organization is able to pay all operating expenses to serve a growing community. All monetary and food donations directly benefit neighbors needing assistance with food, utility, rent, transportation or medical assistance. The Caring Place is a community-based and community-supported organization. For more information on The Caring Place, visit www.caringplacetx.org.
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