Shepherd's Corner in Need of Food Staples to Fill Ever Increasing Orders
By Julie Perine on February 07, 2023 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The Shepherd’s Corner outreach program provides food, clothing and basic household goods to area families in need. And principal volunteer Mary Ellen Depue reports that the need continues to grow.
“In January, we filled 147 food orders and that’s what we used to do in a year,” she said. “Last year, we filled over 1,000 orders.”
The bottom line is the facility is in need of food staples. Despite two community food drives in late-2022 and ongoing support from sponsoring churches, the shelves need replenishment.
Items needed include peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned beans and corn, instant mashed potatoes and shelf or dry milk. Any other non-perishables are welcome.
Depue said Shepherd’s Corner always appreciates the community’s support and that she doesn’t like asking for more help.
“Everything costs so much, and everyone is asking. It kills me to ask,” she said.
Likely due to increased grocery costs, the last two food drives didn’t bring in as many items as in previous years.
The organization has been purchasing items needed and the spending has been great. Word has gone out in local church bulletins that food is needed.
If you would like to help, food can be dropped off at or ordered for delivery to Shepherd’s Corner, 19 Pennsylvania Avenue in Bridgeport during operating hours.
The facility is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but starting Thurs., Feb. 9, it will be closed through Wed., Feb. 15 for water damage repair. It is asked that food donations not be left in the drop box.
Shepherd’s Corner is operated by volunteers provided through churches. Most have served for many years.
“We have a good core of people, and everyone enjoys what they are doing, but we would like to get some younger people involved,” Depue said. “But it’s still working, and we recently got some new retirees and that’s been great.”
Those interested in volunteering may contact 304-203-4874.
Editor's Note: Photos were taken during the GFWC Woman's Club/Lions Club food drive in the fall of 2022.
