Local nonprofit Ruthie’s held a grand opening Sept. 13, with volunteers from around the area helping to give back to people in need in their community.
About 100 people were helped on opening day, leaving the store at 417 South Upper Broadway downtown with canned goods, clothing, bags, books or other day-to-day necessities.
“Ruthie’s aims to focus on active and high-risk homelessness but will help anyone in need regardless of the situation,” said store founder Marilena Garza.
“You never know when you might need help, and that goes for everyone you know. Everything is situational, you never know: some support and a helping hand is what it takes to get someone back on track.”
Ruthie’s accepts donations from the community, small and large. The bookshelves came from the community and a majority of the books did as well.
Ruthie’s will host a Thanksgiving meal meetup on Nov. 15.
Last year the group served over 300 people in the pouring rain. Ruthie’s is dedicated to helping the community in any way it can, from providing warm meals to people in need all the way to the shoes on their feet.
