WHITESVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Shepherd’s Heart food pantry sits along main street in the small town of Whitesville along Route 3 in Boone County. Led by local church members and volunteers, Shepard’s Heart is on a mission to serve the underserved in the communities along Big Coal River where they feel folks have been left behind.
Pamela Campbell and Crystal McCourt are two of the seven regularly active volunteers for the food pantry. They discussed the purpose and motivation of their work as well as the impact it has on not only the town of Whitesville, but the entire region.
“Seniors and those suffering from addiction are our targetaudience, but we supply many more families of different incomes and circumstances with a substantial amount of food. We average around 250 boxes for our community giveaway each time,” said volunteer Pam Campbell.
While the towns of Whitesville and Sylvester see the bulk of the food, Campbell says, “We do not turn anyone away. We serve our entire region. Both Boone and Raleigh county residents come by.”
When asked about the quantity of food boxes distributed each time, Campell said that while the goal is to distribute one box per family, they oftentimes give two and sometimes three to families.
“It depends on time of the month. Our USDA giveaway is once a month and we give out one box of USDA items. We sometimes have other organizations who help with the food, and we are able to give more boxes. It just depends on the circumstance.”
Whitesville is a town that has been economically devastated over the last decade with the decline of the coal industry. Not only has this small town seen a population loss of double digits, but dozens of businesses have permanently closed as a result. The volunteers at Shepard’s Heart have hope that Whitesville will eventually thrive like it used to.
“Matthew 25:35. That’s our inspiration for what we do,” said Campbell.
Matthew 25:35 references scripture in the Holy Bible which says, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.”
Crystal McCourt, a steadfast volunteer at Shepard’s Heart, believes the work of the group is not only productive but vitally necessary. “People really don’t realize how many people need help around here. We give out all we have every single time,” said McCourt.
Campbell feels that those involved are rewarded by serving others. “We have been told by many, many families that they would not have eaten if it weren’t for these life-saving boxes,” Campbell said.
While there are hundreds of food boxes prepared, packaged, and distributed weekly, there is only a small group of regularly participating workers and they are always seeking assistance from local volunteers and organizations.
The group is looking to the future and expecting positive growth as more people become involved. “Growing our storage capacity, being open more frequently, and serving more people is our long-term goal,” said Campbell.