EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL

by Charlotte Kovalchuk Photos courtesy of Operation Liberty Hill

Feeding and Clothing the Needy

Operation Liberty Hill Growing Closer Than Ever

Shouseholds, compared to 328 in July of 2020. Due to the usan Baker, executive director of Operation Liberty increased need, people are now invited to visit the food Hill, is thankful for the partnerships the center has with pantry weekly, instead of once a month. its many partners, despite a major volunteer reduction Despite a challenging year, they still plan to bless resiand program challenges. “We have always had a good dents during the holidays with Angel Tree gifts for youth network of social services; other pantries and organizaand Christmas dinner boxes for families. tions that provide assistance, but since COVID-19, those relationships have really gelled,” she says.

Through its thrift store and food pantry, Operation LEND A HAND Liberty Hill provides food, clothing, household items, This organization, which began in an 800-square foot furniture, and financial assistance to those in need in house has grown to an 8,000-square foot facility. Today, Liberty Hill, Leander, Bertram, and Briggs. Most of those Operation Liberty Hill is bursting at the seams and will donations are courtesy of residents, the Central Texas begin seeking a land donation to build a bigger and Food Bank, and local grocers. better pantry and thrift store, Susan says.

While the organization, which is a program of the The biggest complication from COVID-19 has been Round Rock Area Serving Center, serves people who a major reduction of its volunteers, many of whom are meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s povseniors and/or have compromised immune systems. The erty guidelines, anyone facing a crisis is welcome, even if organization is now down to about half of its usual 70 they are not eligible for government programs. “If you’ve volunteers, but the opportunity is open to anyone able got a car repair or medical issue causing you to need to serve even a few hours a week. In addition to the need extra help, we don’t turn anyone away,” Susan says. for more volunteers, they are also happy to accept mone

During the last few months, the organization has tary and non-perishable food donations. worked more closely with Opportunities for Williamson To learn about donating or volunteering, call & Burnet Counties to assist people who need help with 512-778-4175 or visit operationlh.org. 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.

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 A pre-pandemic crowd A pre-pandemic crowd organization has seen a large uptick in clientele in recent enjoying the Dahlia Café ‘s backyard. enjoying the Dahlia Café ‘s backyard. months. In June 2019, Operation Liberty Hill served 275