Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers will be kicking off its 13th Annual Potter’s Bowl on Saturday, March 2 at Barron Hall (Shepherdstown Fire Department) from 6-8 p.m. Over 200 people are expected to attend this event while each will have the benefit of leaving with a special, handcrafted bowl provided by potters from the region. Individuals as well as local restaurants will provide over 25 soups from which patrons may select. A silent auction will follow. The live and silent auctions will be used for Good Shepherds’ continuing assistance for community and clients. While community is emboldened to come out to this event, other assistance is also encouraged.

For Executive Director, Paula Marrone-Reese, patrons are always needed to help at events like this as well as many others.

“We needed volunteers to make pottery crafts. We also need volunteers who are able to drive clients to medical appointments in situations where no other transportation exists. Last month we provided 80 visits to take clients to dialysis. There were many times that clients missed their dialysis visit since no one volunteered to take them,” Marrone-Reese shared.

For the Potter’s Bowl event as well as many others, Maroni-Reese takes on the duties of securing donations for both live and silent auctions, acquiring the soups and bowls from vendors, marketing the event through signage and articles, announcing the event to funders, donors and the overall community. Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers is a free service and cannot exist without the investment from everyone.

“In January 2013 the need for services is increasing monthly with 20 new client applications. Last year, the Caregivers delivered 300 services in January and in January 2013 that amount increased to 500 non-duplicated services,” Marrone-Reese said.

As many have donated, a list of people who volunteered for the Potter’s Bowl event will be posted at the event. There will also be an auction with items such as a trip to Deep Creek Lake, pottery, jewelry, baskets, River Rider’s Canopy Tour, handmade wooden Birdhouse, beautiful handbags, sports memorabilia and many more.

When aging or disabled members are not able to live among the community, the community will suffer from this loss. Many of these residents live alone with 73 percent being women and 27 percent being men. Good Shepherd also serves children when a handicap exists for the child or the parents.

“Good Shepherd fills the gaps in services where none exist as to help aging and disabled residents remain in their homes and part of our community. Communities are enriched by diversity, ” Marrone-Reese commented.

Last year Good Shepherd Caregivers provided the volunteers who donated $483,847 for care giving services with an additional $48,197 donated for transportation.$125,000 were also accessed in materials for home repairs to assure that homes were warmer, safer and dryer. This service was offered free to the residents of Jefferson County.

“We can only do this work with the much needed help from everyone within the community,” Marrone-Reese commented.

At the Potter’s Bowl event, community members are able to select a handcrafted pottery bowl and enjoy soups, breads, and desserts donated by area restaurants. Community is also encouraged to have fun bidding on silent and live auction items. Tickets may be reserved now or by first come, first served basis. All contributions will be used for Good Shepherd’s continuing assistance for the community and clients. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended and may be purchased at 7311 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown If there are any questions, call 304-876-3325.