Georgetown business owners often collect items and give monetary donations to area nonprofits throughout the year; however, during the holidays, there are many opportunities to support local businesses and charities at the same time. Here are a selection of ways to shop and give back to the Georgetown community.






Shop local, give local GUIDE


1. All Things Kids
The toy store collects items year-round for the Georgetown Blue Santa program, which provides age-appropriate gifts to underprivileged children during the holidays, and items for the program can be purchased in the store. Customers can look for blue signs to identify recommended items, including toys and books. All items purchased in the store to donate will be 20 percent off.


703 Main St. 512-868-2659
www.allthingskids.us
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.






Pawlofts


3. Pawlofts
Pawlofts is collecting items for the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and Georgetown Animal Shelter this holiday season. People can bring in items or purchase toys, treats, cans of food and blankets for cats and dogs in the store. Customers who purchase items to donate in the store will receive 10 percent off the purchase. The store will also be selling ornaments from its Angel Tree on Nov. 26-Dec. 19 to help raise funds for the animal shelters.


1530 Sun City Blvd., Ste. 150 
512-688-5143
www.pawlofts.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun.






Diva Chicks Boutique


2. Diva Chicks Boutique
Customers can purchase blue scarves to benefit the Georgetown Blue Santa program. Scarves are $15, and 50 percent of every purchase goes to the nonprofit program. The store is also selling Heartthrobs and Hound Dogs calendars for $20 to raise money for Georgetown Animal Outreach.


109 E. Seventh St. 512-869-1199
www.divachicksboutique.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. closed Sun.






The Learning Experience


4. The Learning Experience
The child care provider has several opportunities to give back this holiday season, including sales of a cookbook featuring recipes submitted by students and staff members. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to The Caring Place. The center is also collecting toys for the Chuy's Children Giving to Children program serving Central Texas.


1821 Westinghouse Road 512-296-2040
www.thelearningexperience.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Closed Ast.-Sun.






Georgetown Visitor Center


5. Georgetown Visitors Center
The city of Georgetown is selling its 10th annual ornament to benefit the city’s Main Street Program, which gives façade and sign grants to downtown businesses. This year the ornament features the historic P.H. Dimmitt and Co. Building at 801 Main St. The building, which was constructed in 1901 and once served as Georgetown’s first movie house and a car dealership, is now home to Century 21 Hellman Stribling. Ornaments are $20 and available for purchase at the Visitors Center. Only 400 will be sold.


103 W. Seventh St. 800-436-8696
www.visit.georgetown.org
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m.






The BiG Shop


6. The BiG Shop
The BiG Shop offers handcrafted gift items, cards, jewelry and food items made by its participants, who are known as citizens. The shop also features handmade pottery items, including ornaments, serving dishes and decorative pieces. Purchases help fund the nonprofit’s mission to provide vocational skills for adults with disabilities. The store will be open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 for a late-night shopping sale, which will include a 10 percent discount on each purchase.


905 N. Church St. 512-943-8430
www.brookwoodingeorgetown.org
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sun.






The Assistance League of Georgetown Area


7. The Assistance League of Georgetown Area
The Assistance League of Georgetown Area’s thrift shop is open year-round to raise funds for the nonprofit’s various programs, which benefit schoolchildren in the Georgetown area through reading programs and school clothing. The nonprofit also awards scholarships to Georgetown ISD high school students and assists first-year elementary school teachers with classroom supplies.


900 N. Austin Ave., Ste. 313
512-864-2542
www.algeorgtownarea.org
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sun.-Mon.






Fabulous Finds thrift store


8. Fabulous Finds thrift store
The Caring Place’s thrift store raises funds all year for the nonprofit’s programs, including several holiday programs, such as Coats for Kids and holiday meal gift cards. Distribution for both holiday programs is Nov. 14-Dec. 9, Mon.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 2001 Railroad St. and Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and 8 from 4-6 p.m. at 2000 Railroad St. There is no distribution during the week of Thanksgiving Nov. 21-25.


2000 Railroad St. 512-943-0700
www.thecaringplacetx.org
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sun.






Pinot’s PalettE


9. Pinot’s Palette
The business will host a Painting It Forward event Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Guests will paint Poinsettia Jubillee and proceeds from the event will benefit the Williamson County Pregnancy Help Center. The paitining party business offers Painting It Forward events every month benefitting a variety of area nonprofits.


212 W. Seventh St., Ste. 110  512-688-5022
www.pinotspalette.com/georgetown
Hours: Painting party times vary