“I am thankful for the opportunity to be here in the Poplar Bluff community,” said new Bread Shed Director Chris Kellums.
Kellums, who recently relocated to the area for his new position with the charitable organization, said he believes being in a position to help others is his calling.
The Bread Shed is a local non-profit organization that not only helps feed the surrounding community but also works to connect them with needed resources in the area, such as showers, haircuts and warm clothing.
When Jim Ward, the former Bread Shed director, decided to step down, it just so happened that Kellums had already decided to relocate to the area to be closer to family.
“When Jim called me with the opportunity, I wasn’t sure, I mean those are big shoes to fill,” said Kellums, who went on to say Ward was his mentor.
“The Bread Shed has given me opportunities that I never thought would be able to happen for me. When Jim and the board hired me to be the director, it brought me closer to my family. My kids are here, I’m fixing to have a new grandbaby in April and I am thankful that I’m going to get to be here with them throughout that whole process,” said Kellums.
He expressed his thankfulness for friends and family, but also the community.
“The community rallied around us after that article (in the Sept. 15 Daily American Republic). That sparked a little fire and it’s still growing and growing,” said Kellums. “For us to continue to be able to feed 36,000-40,000 people a year, we need our communities’ help, our churches’ help — small monetary donations, even $5 a month helps us be able to buy the trucks (of food) and keep the electric on.”
In November alone, the Bread Shed will provide food boxes for seniors, a regular community meal each Sunday, and multiple food and diaper distributions.
It serves the communities of Poplar Bluff, Ellsinore and Doniphan. A monthly drawing also provides area kids in need with bicycles that have been donated and refurbished by the Manchester United Methodist Church Bike Rehab.
“I am thankful to be in the position to help people. We can instill love and hope in them,” said Kellums. “There are so many who are down and out on their luck and these times we’re living in now are getting harder and harder.”
The price of everything is going up, he said.
“It’s just a way that we can give back. That is what the Lord has told us to do, to love our neighbors. It doesn’t matter what walk of life we are in, who we are or who they are, it’s about showing the love to others,” said Kellums.
While Kellums is new to Poplar Bluff, his daughter has lived here for a couple of years.
“Getting the offer for this position was confirmation from the Lord that I was supposed to be here. I am thankful for the trust and the belief our board and the community have shown toward me,” said Kellums. “We want to be able to continue to do what we do, but I am so thankful for what the Lord has already done in people’s lives here in Poplar Bluff.
“I am thankful for all the opportunities that have been bestowed on my life since I surrendered my life.”
The Bread Shed will serve a Thanksgiving dinner the Sunday after Thanksgiving. They will also be distributing ear muffs, socks, gloves and scarves, which were donated by Five Below, on the second Saturday of December.
Giving Tuesday will be recognized this year on Nov. 29, offering a chance for “generosity to change the world,” as it has already done in our community through this organization.
Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 and has since become a global movement to inspire and celebrate generosity, according to supporters of the annual effort.
If you would like to help support the Bread Shed by donating or volunteering time, contact Chris Kellums at (573)712-6597, by email at donate.breadshed@gmail.com or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/breadshed.
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