Bread Shed benefits from Difference Makers

Jim Ward of the Poplar Bluff Bread Shed was pleasantly surprised when he received a check for $3,029.26 from the Daily American Republic.

The newspaper donates a percentage of the net profits from its annual Difference Makers campaign to an organization which helps out in the community, DAR advertising account representative Stacie McElhaney explained.

“We appreciate what you do feeding the people in the community, both physically and spiritually,” McElhaney said.

While this is the second year for the Difference Makers event, it has certainly become something positive for the newspaper and staff to look forward to sharing with the community.

The Difference Makers campaign spotlights those in the area who give of their time and talent without seeking recognition or repayment.

In an editorial, the newspaper said, “People like this are the foundation of any strong community because they solve problems when there is nothing in it for them and help those in need, who might otherwise go hungry, homeless or otherwise fall through the cracks.”

In presenting the check, McElhaney said, “Difference Makers is a way for the DAR to give back to the community.

“We chose the Bread Shed because you are 100% volunteer run. … You help out our community in so many ways.”

Looking at the check, Ward said, “This is huge.”

The donation “was sincerely a great surprise,” he said. “We have spent a lot of money, and the bookkeeper had told me, we would have $200 left at the end of the month.

“We were poor going into this partnership with the Daily American Republic. It is very timely for us since we have had extra expenses.”

DAR publisher Chris Pruett said the donation is the newspaper’s way of doing its part to help the community.

“The Difference Makers program is about giving of your time and talent, and we put in a lot of time and effort into this program to highlight these many wonderful volunteers,” Pruett explained.

“But we always believe we can do more.

“That’s why when we started this program, we said we would donate a portion of our net profits to a charitable organization in our community each year. Jim’s organization does such a great job and it was a no-brainer selection. We know it will be put to good use.”

Pruett said the enthusiasm shown by the newspaper’s first two donation recipients has been rewarding for the staff.

“Last year, Pastor (Greg) Kirk with United Gospel Rescue Mission was almost speechless when he saw the amount and Jim was the same way earlier this week,” Pruett said.

Ward praised the community, saying he is thankful for the 10-and-a-half years of support the organization has received.

The Bread Shed feeds 35,000 people a year. Hot meals are served on Sundays at 204 N. D St.

“A lot of seniors are coming for the hot meals on the weekend,” Ward said.

Senior boxes of food are given once a month to 250 people.

The Bread Shed is also handling the ABC — A Better Childhood backpack program.

Ward believes the program, where parents come in once a week, is “a lot better.”

Parents picking up the packs at the Bread Shed are able to receive fresh produce, milk and eggs for their children.

At the first of the year, the Bread Shed agreed to do a diaper distribution once a month.

“We thought we would have 50 people,” said Ward, admitting volunteers were surprised when the numbers began to grow. This past month, they had 395 participate.

“We have given out 20,000 diapers, which help families reduce their cost for diapers and food, and they are better able to pay their rent and utilities,” he said.

The Bread Shed partners with the SEMO Food Bank to provide monthly mobile food pantry distributions in Poplar Bluff the second Saturday of month, Doniphan the third Saturday, and Ellsinore the first Saturday of the month.

Since COVID-19, the Bread Shed has coordinated with Chartwells Food Service in delivering 168,000 pounds of fresh produce, as well as meat and milk, this summer to families who needed assistance.

“When the SEMO Food Bank asks, how do you say no,” he said.

Since school is preparing to start, the food distribution is being moved to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday at the First Church of God on Business Highway 67 South.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Bread Shed programs may do so online, by mail at Bread Shed, P.O. Box 3954, Poplar Bluff, Mo., 63902 or taking a check or cash to First Midwest Bank.

The United Gospel Rescue Mission received the 2019 donation.