The Caring Place

"When the opportunity became available, it seemed like a great fit [to move to Georgetown]," she said. "I've always enjoyed coming to the area. There is a sense of community here. It's all about caring and compassion."

O'Connor received her undergraduate degree from Hiram College in Ohio before earning a master's degree in public administration from Cleveland State University.

She took the helm at The Caring Place after John Stock, who had led the organization since 2009, retired.

"No day is ever the same [as the one before]," O'Connor said of her job. "I really do get to do a wide variety of things and interact with people in the community and within the organization."

O'Connor said the community's support is something that drew her to The Caring Place, which was created in 1985 as a partnership among 12 churches in Georgetown to provide basic needs for families and individuals in crisis in Georgetown and northern Williamson County.

"This organization makes such a big difference in people's lives," she said. "Someone in the community can donate something they don't want or need any more and change someone's life."

The organization raises funds for its operations through its thrift store, The Shops at The Caring Place, as well as fundraising, grants and donations. In 2012, the thrift store accounted for 68 percent of the nonprofit's revenues.

"First of all, I really believe in the mission, and the name is wonderful," O'Connor said. "The heart is the people. All of the community makes this place work."

Each year, the nonprofit raises funds to support families and individuals through a variety of programs, including the food pantry, financial support and programs such as Coats for Kids.

In 2012 the nonprofit distributed more than 350 tons of food through its five food programs and served 2,821 families through direct financial support.

Holiday programs

Throughout the year, The Caring Place provides a number of programs offering financial assistance and access to the nonprofit's food pantry for families and individuals in crisis in Georgetown and northern Williamson County. Executive Director Ginna O'Connor said there are also several holiday- and winter-specific programs being organized at The Caring Place throughout the holiday season.

Holiday meal program

The holiday meal program provides an H-E-B gift card to families to purchase food for their holiday meals. Interested individuals can sign up until Dec. 19 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to receive gift cards. Gift cards are restricted to the purchase of food only, and the value of the card is based on the number of people in the household.

100,000 Campaign

The Caring Place is attempting to collect 100,000 pounds of food, which equals more than 83,000 meals, between Sept. 16 and Dec. 21. Financial donations are also being accepted. O'Connor said that a dollar donation can purchase 2 pounds of food.

Coats for Kids campaign

The nonprofit is collecting donations for its annual Coats for Kids campaign, which helps provide a winter coat for children in need. Each Tuesday and Thursday until Dec. 19 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the nonprofit gives $20 Walmart gift cards so children through age 18 can purchase a new coat. School-age children must be enrolled in school to qualify.

The Caring Place, 2000 Railroad Ave., 512-943-0700, www.caringplacetx.org, Twitter: @thecaringplace, Client services hours: Mon.–Wed., Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m; Thu. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 5–7 p.m.