Could continue if new volunteer steps up
News editor
For nearly 11 years, Shepherd’s Shed has been providing free clothing to Marion County residents.
That will end July 1 unless founder Robin Dicks can find someone to take over for her.
With her children growing up, she feels as if it is time to do something else, although she doesn’t have concrete plans of what that something else will be.
“It’s been a blessing to me,” Dicks said. “It’s been great for the community, and I’d hate to see it end.”
Dicks opened Shepherd’s Shed in September 2002 after attending a church revival. At the revival, she said a prophet told her that she would open a shop to give away clothes and cars. She opened Shepherd’s Shed two weeks later.
“I’ve never given away a car yet, but I’ve given away a lot of clothes,” she said.
Shepherd’s Shed moved twice before settling in its current location at Main and Cedar streets. A lot of the donated clothes are leftovers from garage sales, Dicks said.
She also has received financial donations from churches, businesses, and individuals to pay rent. Donations never have failed to cover the rent, and Martha Pracht and Debbie Weigart have volunteered alongside Dicks.
Shepherd’s Shed is open 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Dicks works outside those hours only once each spring and once every fall to put out season-appropriate clothes and put away ones for the just-ended season. Those swaps take a couple of days, she said.
Dicks said she thought the shop would be a good project for a church or civic group. She has made friendships through her involvement and sees a need for the shop.
“I probably have 10 to 11 families in each week,” she said.