Shepherd’s Corner reports that recent donations have been literally almost through the roof and that for the time being, food is plentiful for distribution to those in need.
“The pantry is full. We have food upstairs and on the stairs. It’s amazing,” said volunteer Karen Lang. “We are so thankful for it. Everyone’s generosity has been wonderful.”
An October food drive held by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Bridgeport and Bridgeport Lions Club was the biggest in recent years and Eagle Scout Gabe Miller held a very successful collection in September.
Recently, the students of Simpson Elementary School held a schoolwide food drive and showed up in a way that touched the hearts of those who volunteer tireless hours at the outreach facility.
“They had called me a month or so before and said the fourth and fifth grade decided to have a drive and involve the whole school,” said Karen Lang. “Then, the Thursday before Thanksgiving, a pickup truck showed up loaded full and the kids walked down from the school, unpacked the truck and brought the items into the pantry. It was really nice.”
Lang said as the students carried in non-perishables, heavy with peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, they laughed and had a good time.
During the holiday season, Shepherd’s Corner is especially busy and with the recent government shutdown and additional people in need, all the extra donations are needed and greatly appreciated.
“On a daily basis, we have doubled the families we are serving compared to before this all happened,” Lang said. “We give families enough food to last them a week – based on the number of people in the family. Each of the three days we are opened, we are serving 40 families per day right now.
In addition to the large food drives, the facility receives private donations of both food and money on a regular basis. And people are creative in finding ways to help.
“There’s a couple here in Bridgeport having a Christmas party on Saturday at their home with all their friends and asking them all to bring food for Shepherd’s Corner,” Lang said.
The facility is good with food donations throughout the holiday season but could still use personal hygiene items and paper products.
The people need to be thanked it wasn’t for all our citizens in Bridgeport and churches we wouldn’t be able to do all this
“When families come in for their food orders, we give those items too if we have them and they really appreciate it,” Lang said.
Located at 119 Pennsylvania Avenue, Shepherd’s Corner is open 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. In addition to the distribution of food orders, the facility is open so people can browse its selection of clothing, housewares and toy donations.
“We couldn’t do this without the generous people of the community,” Lang said. “This year, we have been particularly blessed.”