Round Rock Area Serving Center Expands Thrift Store to Fight Food Insecurity

Round Rock Serving Center Unveils Expanded Thrift Store to Combat Food Insecurity

After a year of dedicated construction, the Round Rock Area Serving Center has officially opened its expanded Treasures Charity Thrift Store and Boutique, effectively doubling its retail space. This significant growth is designed not only to enhance shopping experiences but also to boost revenue that will be instrumental in sustaining food pantry operations and social services for families in need. Executive Director Lori Scott emphasizes the crucial role that the thrift store plays in supporting various community services.

“The more we can sell, the more money we can put back into giving where there’s needs,” says volunteer Kim Humble. The thrift store generates about 40% of the Serving Center’s annual funding, creating a self-sustaining model that reduces reliance on grants and allows for a more stable income source. This financial foundation is especially important as the community faces rising food insecurity, with the Center reporting an 8% increase in food distribution just last year, reaching over 110,000 people.

Supporting Families Through Expanded Resources

The expansion of the thrift store is only the first phase of a multi-part project aimed at increasing the Serving Center's capacity to support families. The next phase will focus on enlarging the food pantry, which will transition into the space previously occupied by the furniture store. “We continue to see the need go up,” Scott notes about the increase in demand for food assistance, mentioning how the pantry distributed an astonishing 1.8 million pounds of food last year.

Families visiting the food pantry can select their groceries instead of receiving pre-packed boxes, a significant change that requires more space and variety. “Doubling the size of our pantry will be key,” Scott explains, “to provide more selections and more food for our families to choose.” This model empowers families to make choices that best suit their needs.

Community Involvement: The Lifeblood of the Serving Center

The success of the Round Rock Area Serving Center is a testament to the strength of community engagement and volunteerism. With a core team of just seven full-time employees, the center relies heavily on the support of volunteers—averaging 25 to 40 volunteers a day—to keep operations running smoothly. As the thrift store expansion boosts activity, the center will seek additional volunteers and donations to meet the increasing demand.

“Once the new store opens, that number will need to grow significantly,” Scott adds, urging community members to contribute their time and resources. Donations of furniture, clothing, food, and household goods are encouraged, playing a vital role in sustaining the center's mission to provide accessible services to those in need.

Looking to the Future of Community Assistance

With future phases planned, including adding on-site services for veterans, the Serving Center is setting its sights on becoming an even more integral part of the community. This expansion is not just about increasing capacity; it's about enhancing the quality of life for families and individuals facing hardship in Williamson County.

The upcoming official ribbon-cutting for the thrift store is set for February 26 at 4 p.m., marking a pivotal moment for the organization. As the Serving Center rolls out its plans to expand services across multiple fronts, the foundation it builds today will shape the impact it has for years to come.

For those looking to contribute to this meaningful cause, consider donating to or volunteering at the Round Rock Area Serving Center. Every action, no matter how small, ripples through the community, creating a stronger safety net for local families.