Alice Volunteer Services

Welcome To

ALICE VOLUNTEER SERVICES

In 1983 the economy had taken a sharp downturn much like it has now. A group of concerned individuals created a place of temporary emergency assistance for those finding themselves on hard times. This was the beginning of ALICE FOOD PANTRY. What in the world would they think now? We've been invaded by COVID-19 and a worldwide pandemic. Add COVID to our already depressed economy and you've got TROUBLE! Hard times have DOUBLED! Not only have we lost the oil business, but "mom and pop" stores and service industries have closed. We lost our valuable association with HEB and Walmart. We receive minimal pastries from HEB. We must purchase bread, tortillas and rice every week. The cost of non-perishable food continues to rise, as we all know. Food availability has also been a big problem. Many boxes/bags are pre-packed before Wednesday, with the remainder being packed by volunteers on distribution day. Each order is for a family of 4, always depending upon availability of products. Each client's order is worth about $70. Implementing a new system that was safe for both volunteers and clients and effective in serving the community has been a challenge. Our "new way of serving", is drive through. Sadly, this new system eliminates the extensive personal interaction that was so valuable to volunteers and clients. Clients may receive food once a month. Due to the excessive heat, we are trying to "beat the heat" so our official distribution is now on Wednesday at 8:00AM.

It quickly became apparent that we needed a source to fund the purchase of food for the Pantry. TRASH & TREASURE, a retail resale outlet, where donated merchandise of all kinds is sold, was established under the AVS umbrella as a way of generating funds to buy food and help with other expenses. Though TRASH & TREASURE closed during the beginning of the Pandemic, it was reopened with an entire new staff of volunteers. Stop and see the nice new decor and visit with the friendly staff. Smiley and Humble Gonzalez do a fantastic job!

A Board of Directors is designated to oversee the operations of Trash & Treasure and Alice Food Pantry which falls under the umbrella of Alice Volunteer Services. Generally, funds raised by Trash & Treasure supplies approximately 30% of the operational budget of the Food Pantry. The other 70% comes from personal donations, grants and fund rasiers. The most important fund raiser for Alice Volunteer Services is

One Day of Giving

sponsored by the Coastal Bend Foundation on November 14, 2023. All donations are doubled, up to $22,500. Funds received from One Day of Giving are used to pay for utilities, insurance, maintenance and food.

Our mission has definitely changed since 1983. Food pantries in the Coastal Bend are no longer "emergency" aid only. Besides the severe economic downturn in our area, we've endured COVID. Everyone has been hit hard but especially those on low incomes. Daily living produces "emergencies" around the world. Unemployment is prevalent. Many have lost their homes and have combined families into one household to make ends meet. Grandparents are raising their grandchildren because the parents have left. The situation in Jim Wells County, the Coastal Bend, our nation and the world is critical.

Alice Volunteer Services
Street address: 311 E. Main St. Alice, TX 78332
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1966, Alice, TX 78333
Phone: (361) 664-1015