District happenings

Program recognized for giving care to south Austin elders
South Austin Caregivers was one of eight volunteer caregiver programs serving Central Texas to be presented the National STAR Award of Excellence to Partners in Caregiving.
South Austin Caregivers provides a support network of services for older people living all over south Austin. To encourage independence and enhance the quality of life for the elderly, Caregivers provides information, transportation, community involvement, minor home repairs and other services.
Through a spirit of interfaith commitment, 13 local churches act as supporting members, offering contributions and a pool of volunteers. Volunteers give their time to provide transportation, visitation, shopping and other needed services.
If you would like to volunteer, please call during morning hours to South Austin Caregivers at (512) 445-5552.
Offices are at Grace UMC, 205 E. Monroe, Austin.

Clothing sorters needed
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless needs volunteers to collect, sort, size and distribute clothing contributions for homeless clients.
Skills in inspecting, measuring and labeling clothes would be helpful, but the center will offer on-the-job training.
The clothing closet is open every Monday from 10 a.m. until noon. At least four volunteers are needed for each Monday.
Contact Ralph Eckwall at (512) 452-4933 or at eckwall@gbronline.com.

District group makes kits
Austin District disaster response committee has responded to the disaster in Asia.
In addition to financial assistance, the district has been preparing kits (personal hygiene and school supplies) that were sent to the United Methodist Committee on Relief distribution center in Louisiana to meet requests from those needing assistance.