Good Samaritans Volunteers are proud of what we do everyday. Providing basic needs for our clients and their families is our mission, but our Special Programs bring smiles of joy to the faces of both volunteers and clients.
Several years ago, volunteers at Good Samaritans became aware that many children enrolled in Aransas County schools are members of low-income families. Many lack the financial means to provide appropriate school clothing. The Kid Care Program was created help our most needy children.
Many of the students in households we help are "homeless" under federal guidelines, meaning they do not have a permanent and adequate night-time residence. As many as 60% of students in Aransas County live in low-income households, and many of these are our children of our clients. With the support of grants and donations directed to the program, Good Samaritans has been able to furnish new clothing for hundreds of young students. For many, this might be the first new clothing they have ever worn.
We provide back-to-school clothing in August and winter clothing in November. Beginning in 2021, we also assist with the expense of school supplies. To obtain these services, the family must be registered with Good Samaritans with a current government-issued picture ID on file. A student ID must be provided for each child receiving the service.
You can help us help our children by donating or volunteering.
For many years Rockport-Fulton Good Samaritans has provided ingredients for clients to prepare their holiday meal at Christmas time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible to have the interaction required to collect and pack meals as had been done in the past, but it was strongly felt that somehow the tradition should be continued.
In 2021, a new Christmas tradition began. Instead of Good Samaritans soliciting donations and purchasing items needed to pack into boxes to be distributed, the Christmas Dinner Shopping Spree was instituted. Clients who sign up receive vouchers with which they can choose the holiday food items of their choice from the grocery shelves. Shopping days and times are designated, and volunteers meet the clients at checkout to honor the vouchers. To obtain these services, the family must be registered with Good Samaritans with a current government-issued picture ID on file.
Even though the challenges of the pandemic have lessened, Good Samaritans is continuing the Christmas Dinner Shopping Spree program. Clients enjoy the freedom of being able to make their own choices.
You can help us bring Christmas joy to the needy in Aransas County by donating or volunteering.