SAN ANGELO, Texas — Rust Street Ministries in San Angelo is resuming their acceptance and distribution of clothing and household items to those in need after nearly two months of not doing so because of COVID-19 concerns.
David Ingram, the director of Rust Street Ministries in San Angelo, made the difficult decision to pause the organization's usual acceptance and distribution of closing and household items back in November 2020.
"We just felt like it was unsafe. There was too much of a risk for our volunteers here, our staff, and for our neighbors," he said.
However, with January bringing more cold weather and children heading back to school, Ingram and his colleagues have decided to resume the acceptance and distribution of clothing and household items, with just a few changes to the process.
"We've taken out a couple more chairs, we've increased the time where people have to shop, we've got fewer slots each day, but we've increased the time. So, we're giving people an hour to shop, and at the end of that hour you have to leave so we can get more people in," Ingram said.
Right now, Rust Street Ministries is especially in need of winter coats, preferably men's large, 2X and 3X. Ingram said warm socks and blankets are also appreciated, as well as children's winter clothing.
"A lot of folks need clothes for their kids to go back to school. We try to keep a lot of jeans and tennis shoes on hand, especially for kids going back to school," he said.
If you'd like to drop off clothing or household items, you can do so on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8-10 a.m. If you're looking to shop for clothing or household items, you can call 325-486-1004 for an appointment.