Lucky duck No. 641 traveled at the highest rate of speed down the Town Run in Shepherdstown Saturday afternoon garnering $300 for Rebecca Wetzel. Just under 700 ducks were took part in the annual race hosted by Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. The 5th annual event raised more than $2,000 for the organization.

The race began across from Betty’s Restaurant where ducks were dumped into Town Run eager to make their way to the Little House where the first three arrivals were scooped out and designated “the winners.”

Second place finisher was lucky duck No. 205 purchased by Alice Dillow, capturing the $200 prize. Angie Cline, holder of Duck No. 507 won third place of $100.

The top three prize winners were not the only ones to benefit from the race. Roberta Cucuzzella, who purchased duck No. 287 won the final prize of the day as her duck came down the run last.

Ducks were sold for $5 for one duck or $20 for a family of five ducks. All proceeds will support Good Shepherd Caregivers whose free volunteer services include transportation, visiting, reassurance calls, yard work, medical equipment loans and fix-it projects to the senior and/or disabled citizens of Jefferson County.

The Good Shepherd Caregivers strive to provide informal volunteer caregiving to home-based older or disabled Jefferson County residents. Their goal is to promote independence, dignity, security and quality of life among elderly, disabled, frail and homebound residents of our county, regardless of income or family circumstances.

Good Shepherd Executive Director Paula Marrone-Reese said just prior to race time Saturday, “This is so fun! I always say that about every one of our events, but this really is!”

Helping out with Saturday’s race were six members of the local Kohl’s Cares team. As a sponsor of the race, Kohls in Ranson posted a call for volunteers to come out and help.

Shannon Kelley, one of the volunteers, stood at the ready to help rake “stuck ducks” away from the plants along the side of the Run.

“This is my first time hearing about the duck race,” Kelley said. “I was off today so I signed up to help.”

Speaking of help, Marrone-Reese indicated there is always a need for help at Good Shepherd. The financial assistance gleaned from today’s race is a huge asset; however, one area she said volunteers are desperately needed was to drive clients. Most clients need to be taken to or from medical appointments.

“If you can give one hour or 10 hours a month, we would be so grateful,” she said.

Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers describes itself as a “Faith in An program, is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization founded in 1990 by a small coalition of churches, individuals and the Shepherdstown Rotary Club with the goal of creating a stronger, more caring community in Jefferson County.”

The organization identifies and provides, volunteer support services to any member of Jefferson County who are fragile, home bound, or disabled of all ages or disability. The goal of the service is to help them remain in the community while maintaining their contact with the community.

The free, non-medical caregiving services are all provided by volunteers and include transportation to medical appointments, yard work, light housework, friendly visits, reassurance phone calls and medical equipment loan.

For information on volunteering or offering other support to Good Shepherd Caregivers, contact them via phone at 304-876-3325 or visit them on the web at www.gsivc.org.