For the first time ever, the thrift store at the Blanco Good Samaritan Center will open in conjunction with the Blanco Market Days on the square through the end of this year.

Volunteers will staff the store only (no food distribution) Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store will also open Saturday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 8 (Christmas Market Day).

“This is something we’ve been wanting to do–open on Saturdays,” said Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, board president at the center. “But we don’t have enough volunteers to do that. We decided, though, to try opening just on Blanco Market Day through December and see what kind of response we get. Hopefully next year, it’s something we can continue to do.”

The Blanco Good Samaritan Center helps people in need in Blanco and Blanco County. All funds for the center come from donations of several local churches, individual gifts and the sale of second-hand clothing and other items. No local, state or federal funds support the center.

The pantry and store are open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and/or to volunteer, call 830-833-5269 or visit online blancogoodsam.org.