Blanco Good Samaritan Center is ready to renovate. With the Emergency Services District No. 2’s move to a new building on Blanco Avenue, the Center will begin transforming that organization’s former quarters on Chandler into its new home. The move will reduce overcrowding and allow for expanded services.

Work will begin July 8 with an all-volunteer group under the able direction of Mike Rieken. The first phase will be demolishing much of the interior, which previously housed EMS and Fire Department trucks, equipment and facilities for personnel.

To get the activity underway, the Trinity Lutheran Church Men’s Group will provide demolition assistance as will a number of volunteers. Blanco’s Random Acts of Kindness group has signed on to help with construction and to pick up supplies. Mike Rieken is keeping a list of individuals who have volunteered to be involved in various phases of the project. Thank you to all!

Community residents have been asking what they can do to help. If you have a special construction skill – carpentry, plumbing, electrical, wallboard hanging, concrete work, please contact the Center’s office at 830-833-5269. Lunch providers will be needed to help feed our hard-working renovation volunteers. A monetary donation to Good Samaritan’s building fund is always welcome.

If you have access to supplies or equipment that might be used in renovating or outfitting Good Sam’s new home, please contact Debbie Morgan at [email protected]. Also, stay tuned to the Blanco County News for periodic updates on progress and needs.

Good Samaritan recognizes and thanks those who have already contributed. Dr. David Behrends has provided a storage unit for materials; Texas Regional Bank has donated interior doors from its own renovation. Security State provided office furniture. Designer Jerome Rugen of Delineations discounted his charges for building design as did engineer Naaem Eghani of High Rise MEP Engineering. Richard Hardin provided the electrical calculations needed for the building permit.

Renovation activity is scheduled for six to eight months’ duration. During that time, Good Samaritan will maintain operations at its current location on Pecan St., remaining fully engaged in meeting its mission to provide food and assistance to people who need help throughout Blanco County.

Thank you to everyone in our community for more than a quarter-century of generous support. Good Sam is looking forward to serving Blanco County for years to come!