WESTMINSTER, Md. — Charitable donors from throughout Carroll County are still stopping off at the Shepherd's Staff on Carroll Street in Westminster.
"I just donate the stuff. It helps a lot of people out that really need it," said Harriet Dowden.
But at least for now, they're being turned away.
The executive director of the non-profit, Brenda Meadows, points to a tornado that felled huge trees on the property in early February.
"We had three huge trees down in the back yard,” said Meadows. “A tree down in the front yard that had taken some wires down. We had lost electric utilities, Comcast."
Much of the debris is gone now, but damage to the roof of the 12-by-30 foot shed has taken away the organization's ability to store donated items it turns around for the community.
"The shed is free so we have people from all over Carroll County and other places actually come out and make donations towards the shed, and what we do is we utilize those and we repurpose those and give them back to the community,” explained Meadows. “There is no charge. We have folks come. They're able to shop here on the property...just look through clothing."
While volunteers are now busy preparing Easter baskets, and the spirit of giving is still evident through donated food, toys and even financial help, the shed, which houses free clothing will remain closed until June, with the exception of yard sale items, which will be collected in May for one of the Shepherd's Staff's biggest fundraisers.
And you can be sure donors will return to give back to an institution in the community that gives so much.
"It's about giving to people who need the help,” said Dowden. “That's the way I was always taught when I was a little kid, too."
