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 the Woman’s Club and Bridgeport Lions Club, as well as city firefighters will be making their way throughout the city the morning of Saturday, Oct. 29. If you want to participate in the drive, the groups ask that you leave your donations by your mailbox 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.28. 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.

 

Last year, the community was very generous as the drive yielded about twice as much as the year before, said Mary Ellen Depue, who oversees operations at Shepherd’s Corner. Efforts brought in enough non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies and personal care products to completely stock the shelves of the Pennsylvania Avenue facility.

 

“It was wonderful. Everything went very smoothly and we got a tremendous amount of food,” said Depue, adding that nearly depleted shelves were fully stocked following the 2015 drive.

 

Annually, volunteers are also stationed at Shepherd’s Corner to unpack and put donations away. Last year, Cub Scout Pack 39, Den 1 and local church representatives were included.

 

Shepherd’s Corner fills between 15 and 20 standing orders per month, as well as emergency food orders. With the upcoming holidays, the coming weeks promise to be very busy. The facility also provides clothing, housewares, books and other items to those in need. 

 

Suggested items include the following:

 

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 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