Community Food Drive is Success, but Shepherd’s Corner Still in Need of Non-Perishables

Full Visitor News
Shepherd’s Corner sends a heaping portion of appreciation to the GFWC Woman’s Club of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Lions Club and all volunteers and participants of Saturday’s community food drive. Although the volume of items was less than usual, community members stepped up and were generous.
“It went very quickly, and we had great help,” said Mary Ellen DePue, longtime volunteer with Shepherd’s Corner. “The Knights of Columbus came over and sorted food, checking dates on everything and putting it all up on the shelves.”
In past years, members of hosting organizations and Bridgeport Fire Department went door to door collecting non-perishables, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, this year’s drive was conducted via drive-thru at Oliverio’s Ristorante and Lions’ Circle. Collected items were then transported to Shepherd’s Corner on Pennsylvania Avenue, from where they will be distributed to those in need via food orders.
The change in format, along with a rainy Saturday, likely hampered donations. DePue said the facility could use anything on the original wish list, which can be seen below. Items can be dropped off at Shepherd’s Corner, 119 Pennsylvania Avenue, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“The Lions Club and Woman’s Club tried so hard and this was a little different, but as usual, Bridgeport was very generous and we are very thankful,” DePue said.
Assisting the GFWC Woman’s Club were members of the Junior Honor Society of Bridgeport Middle School.
Non-perishable food items:
  • Baked beans
  • Green beans
  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Spaghetti sauce with meat
  • Pasta
  • Canned pasta meals: spaghetti, ravioli, etc.
  • Canned milk
  • Soup
  • Saltine crackers
  • Tea bags
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly
  • Canned meats: tuna, chicken, ham, etc.
  • Boxed potatoes
  • Macaroni & cheese
  • Cereal
  • Canned fruits (especially applesauce)
  • Pudding cups and fruit cups
  • Microwaveable foods
  • Cans of food with pull-tab opener
Personal Care Items:
  • Shampoo
  • Bar soap, shower gel or body wash
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Deodorant – men’s and women’s
  • Disposable razors
  • Sanitary napkins or tampons
Other items not covered by food stamps:
  • Laundry detergent
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Toilet tissue
Cash donations will be used to purchase meat, butter, bread and milk.
Check donations can be mailed to Shepherd’s Corner, P.O. Box 101, Bridgeport,