by Charlotte Kovalchuk Photos courtesy of Operation Liberty Hill
EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL
Feeding and Clothing the Needy
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Operation Liberty Hill Growing Closer Than Ever
usan Baker, executive director of Operation Liberty Hill, is thankful for the partnerships the center has with its many partners, despite a major volunteer reduction and program challenges. “We have always had a good network of social services; other pantries and organizations that provide assistance, but since COVID-19, those relationships have really gelled,” she says. Through its thrift store and food pantry, Operation Liberty Hill provides food, clothing, household items, furniture, and financial assistance to those in need in Liberty Hill, Leander, Bertram, and Briggs. Most of those donations are courtesy of residents, the Central Texas Food Bank, and local grocers. While the organization, which is a program of the Round Rock Area Serving Center, serves people who meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s poverty guidelines, anyone facing a crisis is welcome, even if they are not eligible for government programs. “If you’ve got a car repair or medical issue causing you to need extra help, we don’t turn anyone away,” Susan says. During the last few months, the organization has worked more closely with Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties to assist people who need help with rent, utilities, and medical costs. When the center needed more space for food, Opportunities went above and beyond by buying them a portable storage building. Community Pathways has also provided additional Panther Packs, which supplement the school free and reduced lunch program, for kids at home who are not able to participate in the school program. “We are coming together more as social service providers,” Susan says.
households, compared to 328 in July of 2020. Due to the increased need, people are now invited to visit the food pantry weekly, instead of once a month. Despite a challenging year, they still plan to bless residents during the holidays with Angel Tree gifts for youth and Christmas dinner boxes for families.
L E N D A H A N D
This organization, which began in an 800-square foot house has grown to an 8,000-square foot facility. Today, Operation Liberty Hill is bursting at the seams and will begin seeking a land donation to build a bigger and better pantry and thrift store, Susan says. The biggest complication from COVID-19 has been a major reduction of its volunteers, many of whom are seniors and/or have compromised immune systems. The organization is now down to about half of its usual 70 volunteers, but the opportunity is open to anyone able to serve even a few hours a week. In addition to the need for more volunteers, they are also happy to accept monetary and non-perishable food donations. To learn about donating or volunteering, call 512-778-4175 or visit operationlh.org.
A NEW OPERATION
In mid-March, Operation Liberty Hill had to close its food pantry and thrift store for a few months, but adapted services with curbside and home delivery of food. Both have since reopened at 1401 Hwy 183 N, Leander. One thing that hasn’t changed in this ever-evolving health crisis is the generous food donations they have received from grocery stores. “God has continued to bless us with lots of food. We’ve never had a shortage,” Susan says. These extra donations are especially needed as the organization has seen aAlarge uptick incrowd clientele in recent pre-pandemic months. In June 2019, Operation Hill served 275 enjoying the DahliaLiberty Café ‘s backyard. SEPTEMBER 2020 LIBERTY HILL DIGEST
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