For the last twenty-five years, volunteers have provided support for children at Hill Country Youth Ranch in many ways. One of the most successful programs for helping with funding has been the Auxiliary Thrift Store in Ingram.

Now we have two thrift stores, thanks to the dedication of the two chapters of the HCYR Auxiliary. The Founding Chapter, located in Kerr County, opened in its newest location on March 1, 2002 and has 10,000 sq. ft. of bargains.  The store is open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday each week.

Meanwhile, just 50 miles west, the Leakey Chapter of the Auxiliary, formed to support the new Big Springs Ranch for Children, sister campus to the Ingram Ranch, operates in a building just behind the courthouse.  Both stores are prospering and growing, providing support to the respective children's programs and lots of bargains for shoppers.  The Big Springs Thrift Store is open 10:00 to 4:00 Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week.

What a wonderful example of cooperation the two Chapters have exhibited.  Store officials at both locations work hard to share inventories, join in projects together, and serve their common mission of providing an extended family for children living at the two Youth Ranches. 

Says HCYR founder and director Gary Priour, "We can never say it enough: it is only through the dedication and hard work of our volunteers that the Ranch has been able to grow and prosper and expand into two ranches, each with its own extended family and auxiliary support system."