In 2016, Bob Weimer took a look at one of the lesser known and underserved populations in Georgetown—the homeless—and began making sandwiches that he delivered himself. His simple idea has grown into many volunteers, fundraising events—even a mobile food pantry—and the vision to provide basic services; clothing, job support, and connections to services.
Helping Hands serves nearly 1,400 brown bag meals a month, and a freshly prepared meal on Sunday nights in the parking lot of the Georgetown public library. They also hand out clothing and toiletries for up to 600 people over the course of a week to help them get back on their feet.
They recently began taking the mobile food pantry to Quail Valley in southeast Georgetown as well. Bob explains, “This is the most talked about and underserved community on Georgetown. We are pleased that our services are growing in this area and our 2021 plan is to have a full-time, managed food pantry here that the community can use every day.”
2020 HOLIDAYS
With continuing COVID changes, Helping Hands is not able to have the full complement of fundraisers and mealtime events they have had in past holiday seasons.
Bob says the food pantry is eager to receive donations of Thanksgiving items; e.g., canned goods, stuffing, and shelf-stable foods to create ‘kits’ for the full week. They will also be happy to take reusable shopping bags, which are great for packing and delivery. “We will store the items in our canteen and deliver them starting Nov 16th. We are, of course, delighted to have cash donations any time; even $5 can buy enough rice or beans for a family of four. We also welcome any support for operations, as we carry several critical policies to cover our drivers and health certifications.”
Bob is currently working on a holiday food truck event in December that will be open to the public. He recommends checking https://www.facebook.com/HelpinghandsofGtown/or HelpingHandsGTX.org for updates and locations.
Helping our underserved neighbors is as easy as stopping by the library parking lot to donate clothing, toiletries or money; donate funds on their website, or visit the office near the Georgetown airport (info below).
107 Halmar Cove suite 232 • 512-688-3595 • [email protected]
Mon-Thurs 9am-4pm • Friday by Appt
Find them at the 8th St. parking lot across from the library
Sunday 4PM, Mon-Thurs 3:15PM