It’s a situation which regularly occurs around the holidays and at back-to-school time. Though it results in somewhat of a problem, it’s a good problem to have, Mary Ellen Depue said.

 

Shepherd’s Corner, a donation center and outreach facility located on Pennsylvania Avenue, is being overwhelmed with donations and organizers have made a decision to extend hours for the holiday season.

 

“We have items coming in by the truckloads each and every day,” Depue said. “We hope that by opening our doors more over the next few weeks, we can get those items to folks who can use them.”

 

Some very nice items – all-inclusive of clothing, household items, toys and other children’s items – are being received, likely because residents are cleaning out closet and drawers in anticipation of the Christmas gift-giving season.

 

Shepherd’s Corner will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 10. The week prior to Christmas, the facility will open its doors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20; Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Thursday, Dec. 22. Those same hours will be observed the week of Christmas – Tuesday, Dec. 27; Wednesday, Dec. 28; and Thursday, Dec. 29.

 

Again on Saturday, Jan. 14, Shepherd’s Corner will be open. It is likely that the Saturday hours will continue – the second Saturday of each month - through the winter season, Depue said.

 

Originally, Shepherd’s Corner was set up to service people in Bridgeport and outlying area. Not only are individuals now arriving from other parts of Harrison County, but from neighboring towns and counties.

 

“There aren’t many facilities out there where people can come in and get items free,” she said.

 

Depue and her fellow Shepherd’s Corner volunteers are happy to accommodate as many as possible and hope area residents will be able to use some of the very nice items being donated this holiday season.

 

Individuals who wish to donate items are asked to bring them when the facility is open or to utilize the new drop-off extension. Please do not leave items where they can be damaged by weather, Depue asks. She thanks the community for its generosity. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover is Shirlene Isabella, welcoming people inside Shepherd's Corner, located on Pennsylvania Avenue.