Where to volunteer during the holidays

Many families have a tradition of volunteering to help those less fortunate during the holidays, such as donating gifts, money or time. Each year, many cities support the Blue Santa Program, and that is one way to give to families who need extra help with Christmas gifts. Many opportunities exist in the Williamson County and Travis County region throughout the year for people to help in a variety of ways.

The Round Rock Area Serving Center (RRASC) is one nonprofit working to provide food, help with funds for rent and utilities and also distributing coats via its “Keep Round Rock Warm” program. The food pantry is sponsored by the Central Texas Food Bank and distributes food three days a month, on the first, third and fifth Thursdays. Healthy Options Program for the Elderly and the Community Gardens operate in coordination with Williamson County Master Gardeners.

RRASC also operates Treasures Charity Resale Shop & Boutique is thrift store with used clothing, furniture, electronics, in all sizes. RRASC accepts new volunteers throughout the year; complete the online form via the website.

Other agencies that fall under the umbrella of RRASC and The Volunteer Center include LifeSteps Council, Footprints Children’s Grief Ministry, Annunciation Maternity Home, United Way of Williamson County, Christ Image International Church, and Faith in Action Georgetown.

Another way to find opportunities to volunteer this holiday season is via Volunteer Match. There are so many different opportunities to volunteer, which range from hospice work, to serving as an interpreter, helping with pet therapy, diaper delivery drivers, Meals on Wheels delivery, and helping to handle or walk horses.

Why not get the family together and review a few of the options to give time to those who can use a bit of extra help this holiday season? It could just turn into a year-round family activity.

Round Rock ISD

names interim superintendent as of December 1

After the resignation of Dr. Steve Flores last month, the Round Rock Independent School District has announced Dr. Daniel Presley will now serve as Acting Superintendent.

Dr. Presley Dr. Flores has served as superintendent since 2013. He will remain on staff to assist in the transition until March 31, 2021. Dr. Presley will begin his new role as of December 1, according to an announcement by the Board of Trustees.

“I am proud and honored to serve Round Rock ISD, a District I love deeply, in this role and I appreciate the Trustees for placing their trust in me,” Presley said.

“This year has presented the most challenging circumstances for public education in our lifetime and I am committed to providing steady leadership during this transition.” Dr. Presley has served in his current job is as Senior Chief of Schools and Innovation with RRISD, second in command to the superintendent role, since 2014. He has more than 30 years of experience in Texas and Louisiana and a former principal of Cedar Ridge High School. He earned both his undergraduate and master’s degree from Centenary College in Louisiana, and his doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

The Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Dr. Flores at its meeting held on November 13. He was named as the Texas PTA Superintendent of the Year in June 2020.