GFWC Woman's Club, Lions Club, Fire Department Team Up for Annual Community Food Drive
By Julie Perine on October 17, 2017
Once again a pair of active civic groups and Bridgeport Fire Department will combine forces to canvas neighborhoods for donations in an effort to assist Shepherd’s Corner in its important mission to help local individuals in need.
“With everyone’s help, we will be able to stock their shelves with enough non-perishable foods, household supplies and personal care items to take them through the winter,” said Ruth Allen of GFWC Woman’s Club of Bridgeport.
Members of GFWC Woman's Club, Bridgeport Lions Club and city firefighters will be making their way throughout the city the morning of Saturday, Oct. 21. Those contributing to the drive are asked to leave donations by their mailboxes or front door by 10 a.m. Alternatively, items can be dropped off at Bridgeport Fire Department or Bridgeport City Hall anytime this week – today through Fri., Oct. 20. Cash donations, which are used to purchase meat, butter, bread and milk, will also be accepted. Monetary donations can also be mailed to Shepherd’s Corner, P.O. Box 101, Bridgeport, WV 26330.
The drive is a perfect example of project proceeds going right back into the community. During the past eight months, Shepherd's Corner has distributed 110 food baskets which fed 248 people and doors of the Pennsylvania Avenue facility are open three days a week, during which time members of the public can pick up free clothing and so much more.
"Shepherd's Corner also assists with cleaning and laundry products, personal care items, and paper products - toilet tissues, diapers, baby wipes, etc. which families cannot use food stamps to buy," Allen said. "Since January 1, 2017, they have served more than 5,000 people representing more than 17,000 persons."
Personal care and cleaning items will be collected during Saturday's drive, as will food items. Suggested items are below:
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 and cheese
Cereal
Canned fruits and applesauce
Pudding and fruit cups
Personal care items:
Shampoo
Bar soap, shower gel or body wash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Disposal razors
Sanitary napkins/tampons
Other items not covered by food stamps:
Laundry detergent
Cleaning supplies
Toilet paper
In recent years, the community has been very generous, bringing in enough non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies and personal care products to completely stock the shelves, said Mary Ellen Depue, volunteer coordinator.
During Saturday's drive, volunteers will be stationed at Shepherd’s Corner to unpack and put donations away. Cub Scout Pack 39, Den 1 and local churches usually help with the project.
On a regular basis, Shepherd’s Corner fills about 30 food orders per month and with the holidays approaching, the facility promises to be even busier.
