My Blog

The Shepherd's Staff

05/07/2012 16:00:00

Well, here we are half-way through Spring. Not a good time to talk about warm clothes, staple foods, or the bitter weather that will come in a mere dip in the pool. OK, I'm exaggerating. It is always winter here at THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF. Hunger and personal needs never take a vacation. Even during the warm months, we need to furnish those in need with the necessities of life.

We have had a very busy few months! Not only have we blessed individuals, but we have found in today's economy that when we get a request for food from an elderly person, we are actually blessing an entire family. Many times, living with the grandparent are grandchildren and adult children. Although the unemployment numbers are down, many have been out of work for quite a long time and stopped looking. Moving in with family seems to be very frequent these days.

Whenever we have had an abundance of clothing, we send the overflow to FRIENDS OF THE ORPHANS. This is an outreach program run by John Shattuck, International Representative. He ships viable donations to Haiti and flies there with his Team to build and maintain housing, schools and hospitals.We are proud that THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF gives to people in our own community; but also, gives Internationally to our brothers and sisters in need.

So as you enjoy the months to come, please remember that the Elwood's and TSS are always in need of food, clothing and monetary donations. Everything is used to its best advantage. Helping those in need is our ministry. Let us never grow weary, but find new strength and direction from our God.

We would like to assure you that we are still dedicated to assisting the homeless, showing the Love of God to those in Group Homes, Nursing Homes and Hospitals. We are counting on your generous donations to pay for perishable foodf items, gas to deliver hope and substance to those in need. We want to mention First Assembly of God Church and friends & family who have partnered with us on a monthly basis. I'd also like to thank Sunny's Convenience Store, here in Elwood, who has given us space on their counter for our little collection bank. Without your contributions, TSS could not do the ministry that we do.

A letter from the Director

11/09/2011 13:36:00

Dear Contributor,

First of all, let me thank you for your latest donation to THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF. Whether this was your very first donation or you have given before, we want to thank you for your generous gift. With out people like you, we could not continue blessing others with warm clothing, food, hygiene items and kindness. To you, we are forever grateful.

The question has come up about how long we will be collecting. We’ve also been asked what we do with the clothes that we do collect. I’d like to assure people that we consider THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF an ongoing ministry. We have been in operation since October 15, 2010. We plan on collecting items on a permanent basis for as long as the need exist. God’s plan for our lives is fulfilled only when we are about His work.

Since needs do not have a “season”, we collect all types of clothing and wait for just the right need to show itself. God has provided us with room to store off season clothing. So, if you have it at any time, we will pick it up. We NEVER sell or give the clothes to a thrift shop. All items are given directly to people who are homeless, in nursing homes, group homes, veterans and the disabled. You can count on us to see that your donation does not even fall into the hands of people that use thrift stores to pay for their own overhead. Every item or cent goes directly to someone in need.

This being said, we want our contributors to know that we are truly grateful for any and all donations. Our books are always open, we have many letters of appreciation that we would like to share and we invite questions at any time. We are just two people with friends who have come beside us to make a difference in the world. We are just asking for things that would otherwise be filling up your closet, sitting in the back of your pantry, or the change in your pocket. No item is too big or no amount is too small. It will be put to good use by THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF.

With prayers & blessings,

Lynne M. Elwood

Founder & Director

THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF IS 1 YEAR OLD!

10/19/2011 15:29:00

Happy Birthday, to THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF! On October 15th this ministry ended its 1st year.

We are excited and honored to be able to say that TSS has been very successful in reaching out to those

in need in our community. It has been a year of growth, not only for our Non-profit status; but year

that has shown those who work on the "Staff" the glory of God in action. We have grown in our

dedication and always stand in awe of the Shepherd's faithfulness.

When we began, TSS had set 50 people as a goal. We had wanted to clothe, feed and bring the

love of God to the weary, hungry and those in dire need of clothing. Little did we know that God had

much bigger plans for us. In our first year of operation, we have assisted over 100 people.

Although we had intended to focus on the homeless, we found that the response of our appeal to

neighbors & friends to give us their used clothing was much greater than we had anticipated. Generousity

was shown with such love and acceptance that we were able to broaden our giving to those in nursing homes, the disabled and near-by churches.

Our hearts overflow when we are called by people having large wardrobes to dispose of, churches whose pantries have been dwindling and when unexpected monetary donations come from people offering to help us reach others. To help is just such a blessing for us and receiving from our monetary partners is humbling

to say the least. We appreciate every dime we receive and put it to the best of use. We are so

privleged to be able to buy perishable items to go along with staple items.

With a heart of gratitude, we begin our second year of serving the Shepherd.

Items needed by THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF

09/15/2011 18:59:00

WHAT THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF COLLECTS:

The winter months will soon be upon us. We find that hunger does not have a season.

We collect other things besides warm clothing. We are always looking for clothes for

children and adults in all sizes. We also need hygiene items; as well as, paper products, detergent and diapers.

FOOD ITEMS NEEDED:

Canned fruits, stew, mac & cheese, tuna, canned veggies, Spam, corned beef hash, beans, pancake mix &

syrup, pasta, rice, dried milk, hamburger helper, chunkie soups, vienna sausages, fruit drinks and sugar.

We always need all the things that you would need to feed your family on a weekly basis. We also encourage store gift cards, so that we can purchase, eggs, meat, and produce. When I myself shop, I try to

pick up just a little extra for those in need. If you are a couponer, you can often find things buy one-

get one free. We, also go through our own cupboards to check expiration dates. Most foods are still good even after the date has passed.

HOW TO GET THINGS TO US:

We do collect at 1st Assem. on Essington Rd. Or you can call Jerry & Lynne Elwood for pick up.

What THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF means to me.....

06/08/2011 14:13:00

People are getting tired of me asking, pleading, looking for clothes, food items and

their attention to and for THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF. Now I don't think that I am an "in your face" type of person; but I can tell you this, I will never let the work that God has commissioned me to do go unaccomplished. My mind is set and my work is cut out for me. I will not be discouraged.

Every day the Shepherd does something thru me or my staff to let me know this is what He wants accomplished. I will not cease to seek out provisions of food, hygiene items, even warm clothing for the 2011 winter months. I have visions of those without hope branded in my mind. It is very warm today, the memory of the hopeless batter the reality of the paradise that I live in appears to be in such contrast to those who live in poverty.

Recently THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF has been running thru my veins. Applying for our non-profit status has been a big step that is necessary to gain accountability and credibility. Even though going through the process has taken me away from the "hands on" work that I love, it is something that must be done. Fund raising efforts can't really be done without that status and I want to be able to offer our benefactors tax credit for their donations. It is well to note that once all the t's are crossed tax credit will be retroactive to our October founding date.

I am now currently, due to the generousity of people in my subdivision, making up survival boxes of sets of different size women and men's clean clothing, hygiene items and non-perishable foods that I can carry in the back of the car. It is needed at times when we are not in proximity of Elwood. We feel that as long as we can help someone as needed, we are fulfilling our purpose as THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO!

05/09/2011 19:14:00

THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF is proud to announce that we have officially applied for Not-for-profit status. Barring unforeseen problems, we will soon be able to offer the Not-for profit benefits to our donors. All donations, whether it be monetary, food items and all other gifts will be tax deductible; including all donations that were given for the past nine months.This status will also enhance our mailing options and give us an advantage when we approach businesses for donations.

We have been very successful in our first eight months of operation and give God all the Glory and Thanksgiving for the courage to pursue His will in our ministry. The future, if it continues even as it stands now, look bright. Many people will continue to be blessed by THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF. Feeding the hungry and clothing those in need is just one of the many aspects of what we do. As Staffers, we know that we are blessed most when we give of our time and talents. When we open our hands to give, we receive so much more.You have no idea of how blessed most of us are and how much we take for granted. I wanted to update our friends and family on just what we've accomplished.

We have touched over 348 lives with either food, clothing, or small household items. They have been used to bless men, women and children in the Will County area. From those not yet born to those in Nursing Homes; we have distributed over $2,275.00 worth of goods. Because of our generous contributors, who have given THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF monetary and material goods, we've reached out to individuals in agencies that we are personally familiar with. Daybreak, the Mission, Lamb's fold, the Courtyards of Loyalton, First Assembly of God Church, Victory Outreach, and United Cerebral Palsy Adults have all been shown the love of God through THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF.

Feeding those at Christmas with generous food baskets and hosting an Easter dinner & egg hunt are ways that we have shown others what Christian love is all about. Of course, by doing these projects, we have also grown closer and stronger as a unit. When God tells us to do something THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF with the help of our benefactors, always gets the job done. Looking back, we have fond memories of serving our fellow man and looking forward, we anticipate bigger and better ways to fulfill His commands.

What our goal was....and what we actually accomplished!

03/15/2011 18:31:00

On October, 2010, THE SHEPHERD' STAFF set out to help 25 individuals in the Will County area with warm clothing for the fast approaching winter months. Having become quite aware of the needs of the homeless; we were cognizant of the fact that people of all walks of life were out of work due to the recession. As we prayed for God to give us His heart, ears and eyes, we began by word of mouth to ask family and friends to gather used coats, hats, gloves and warm clothing to bless those in need.

Little did we imagine that by the month of March 2011, we could say that we have assisted over 250 people. At first we couldn't keep up with the demands. The poverty level was apparent not far from our home, church and work. We looked at heartache, addictions, shame and hopelessness in people's eyes just by observing them first hand; as we would load the van with donations and head for the poorest parts of town.

We have assisted men, women & children. First it was clothing and feeding the homeless. It soon became very clear that you didn't need to be homeless to be in dire need. Mother's with small children were in need of food. Unexpected pregnancy was often something that would throw people in need of assistance with clothing, nutritious food and upcoming expenses. The call to Love your neighbor as yourself was often placed before The Shepherd's Staff and so as the donations came in steadily, they also went out steadily as well. The day we received an item, it would be requested. We knew that we were following God's call on our lives.

Others that have been blessed with our benefactor's generosity include those in nursing homes, disabled clients at United Cerebral Palsy Center, Lamb's Fold, Daybreak, Nicki Cruz' Victory Outreach and various churches in the area. We are trying to give the donations to individuals personally, but the abundance is so great, storage at a premium, and time of the essence, that we try to have an insider to make sure things go to the people that need them.

We are in the process of taking a look at the needs of Winter 2011 and plan according. Fund raising is a priority so that we can advertise effectively and "Get the word out.", recruiting more staff members, and either securing a space in Joliet or have the funds to purchase gas to meet the needs of God's Flock.

How we do what we do...

03/09/2011 17:52:00

THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF is going to be five months old this month. Although we are still in the infancy period of development, so much work has been accomplished, that I just had to give an update on what the ministry has done in those short five months. Through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we have had discernment concerning the needs of over 200 people. We have provided warm clothing, hygiene items, non-perishable & perishable food items, toys and financial aid to people from all ages and walks of life.

We have helped people with dire needs; blessing them with food that we have received from various food pantries at churches of all denominations. People have needed food immediately so we work with the churches that have monthly food distribution days. They have teamed with us to give us food that is close to its expiration date. For those whom we bless, it works out just fine.

Blankets and warm clothing have not only been issued to the homeless; but also, to pregnant women and their children, people in rehabilitation programs, nursing homes, Alzheimers care center's & the disabled living in group homes in the surrounding areas. The Ministry has enabled someone to pay for a physical so that they can go back to work, paid for medication for another and purchased urgent work boots for someone who couldn't possibly do it on their own. Even buying gas nowadays has put burdens on people that live pay day to payday. Therefore we stepped in to cover transportation costs to doctors once. We notice that daily something "happens" in the ministry that expand and/or blesses us. When we receive a donation, it is just a few days until that very item or items fill a need.

We have received financial assistance from pastors, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, realtors, and friends & family. We have been blessed by such generous benefactors. The cost of stamps and incidentals are always a present reality. So it is a real blessing to us when people graciously make monetary donations to THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF.

We ask that you continue to pray and we would love for you to become a Staff member. Call us, if your heart is moved by His calling.

Calendar of Events

02/06/2011 19:13:00

THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2011

January

Collecting warm clothing & blankets

for everyone in need.

February

I can do it! Canned food, perishables,

and hygiene items

MARCH

A month of prayer for ourdonators

and benefactors. Pray for our churches.

APRIL

EASTER BASKETS! Spring ham baskets

with all the trimmings.

MAY

Spring cleaning supplies, light jackets,

baseball hats, kids' spring clothes.

JUNE

Canned meats, vegetables, fruits, etc.

JULY

Water, juices, soda, hygiene items &

light clothing for all.

AUGUST

1ST ANNUAL SHEPHERD'S STAFF

PICNIC AUGUST 07, 2011

SEPTEMBER

Gearing up for fall & winter. Clothing,

blankets, foods.

OCTOBER

1ST ANNIVERSARY YEAR MEETING.

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE & PLANNING MTG. OCT. 7TH.

COLLECTING FOR WINTER NEEDS.

NOVEMBER

Celebrating God's abundance!

Thanksgiving baskets

DECEMBER

Warm coats, blankets, gloves,

hats for all.

YES, I CAN!

02/05/2011 20:59:00

Did you ever wonder what you could do to make a difference in someone's life. We all have a need to show compassion, to change a life or to help our fellow man. You often read in the newspaper or on the television that an individual went out of his way to help someone. At times, the often even call these people "heroes". Well, I believe that most people are humanitarians. Just wanting to do their part to ease another's burdens.

Basically in todays economy most people are in touch with the reality that families are living pay check to pay check. People who are living on Social Security are coping with the fact that although the cost of living has gone up, their income has not. Families are getting by and making sacrifices which they do so unselfishly, but when a job loss or medical bills pile up, they just have to adjust their belts even more to get the essentials. Women are working, while men are becoming "Mr. Mom", families are living together, and people are working wherever they can even they have degrees and expertise.

So, it is getting more difficult to give to charities that seem to monthly have more need and find a shortfall in meeting those needs. Now I'm not advocating that these agencies should not continue to do what they can to alleviate hunger, homelessness, additions and alcoholism. What concerns me is that these agencies have administrative expenses. One should check out where the things that you presume are going to those in true need? Are they being sold? Are they gone through before the are sent out to the Thrift Stores?

I have heard rumors, but I can only give you my word, my promise and my own integrity as far as THE SHEPHERD'S STAFF. I can assure you that this month, we are collecting food. We have seen people who are hungry, who have children to feed, who would welcome even a vegetable supper even without meat. For the month of February, we are asking everyone who wants to make a difference in someone's life, to go through their cupboards and bring a can of food to church. Put it in our van at church, put it in the coat room. Just one, or more if you have it to give.

Together, we CAN make a difference. I can do it AND you can, too.