Ruby’s Pantry in Austin looking for volunteers for August 20th distribution day

The next Ruby’s Pantry distribution day in Austin will take place Thursday August 20th at the Mower County Fairgrounds. This will be a drive thru event with guests staying in their cars as Ruby’s volunteers load prepackaged bundles into their vehicles. 

Bob Rosel, Media Coordinator for Ruby’s Pantry in Austin stated in a news releaase that there has been a decrease in the number of volunteers for our June and July distributions, and they are asking any area residents or organizations that would be willing to help to contact Grace Lutheran Church at 433-3445.  Rosel stated that Ruby’s Pantry needs up to 70 or 80 volunteers to make the operation run smoothly and he added that the last distribution was conducted with closer to 50.  He added that it can be done with that number, but it is a less labor intensive operation with more volunteers to help.  Set up begins around 3:00 PM and the distribution starts around 5:00 running until 6:30 with clean up complete by about 7:00.  Rosel stated in the news release that Ruby’s can use the help for an hour or up to the entire distribution, and he added that they are grateful for any help they might receive. Volunteers are first to receive their bundle if they wish to get one. 

As in our past drive thru distributions, guests are asked to clean out a space in their vehicle for Ruby’s volunteers to load the bundle into.  Rosel stated that you should not bring any containers as they have boxes donated to them by International Paper.  Ruby’s asks for a $20 exact cash donation for each bundle to help cover trucking and storage costs. There are no income requirements or residence restrictions. To insure as many people who show up can receive a bundle they restrict each vehicle to one bundle per trip thru the line. 

If anyone wants more information about Ruby’s and/or volunteering please call Grace Lutheran at 433-3445.  If anyone has any questions you may contact Rosel by email or cell phone at (507) 261-6040 or call Grace Lutheran Church at 433-3445.