Bishop blesses community food bank

RONN JONES/Special to Alachua County Today

Melody Lewis, Bella Diefenderfer, Dorothy Newbern, Father Sebastian George, Lucille Gabriel, Bob Barnas, Richard Williams, Lauri Edvardson, Sue Weller, Pierre LeBrun, Bishop Felipe Estevez and Helen LeBrun gather for a photo.

HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Community Outreach Program, which feeds and helps to clothe hundreds of area families each month, was visited by a Florida Catholic Clergyman.

Bishop Felipe Estevez of St. Augustine came to the city to offer his blessings to the program.

His office allowed the formation of the fledgling organization, organized by St. Madeleine’s Church, when another organization closed its local office near the end of June.

Community Outreach Program director, Bella Diefenderfer, and her volunteers, received Bishop Estevez, Father Sebastian George, Pastor, St. Madeleine’s Catholic Church, members of the Knights of Columbus, Mayor Sue Weller and Commissioner Bob Barnas at their headquarters, 15 SE 1st Ave., High Springs, on Wed. Nov. 6.

“It was a great honor having Bishop Estevez come all this way to bless our program,” Diefenderfer said. “We were especially pleased to have area dignitaries, Father George and several of our most ardent supporters attend,” she said.

More than 400 families with upwards of 500 children in the High Springs area could go without food this holiday season without the help of the area residents, according to the program organizers. Around 150 families have asked for help providing Thanksgiving dinners, and around 75 have asked for help with Christmas dinners.

“Without the community’s involvement, outreach will not be able to accomplish its mission, which is to help people less fortunate,” Diefenderfer said in an earlier interview. “They need food and gifts.”

The organization feeds more than 400 families located in High Springs, Ft. White, Alachua, Hague and Newberry, and even some from Gilchrist and Union counties. Many of the families come every 30 days for food and clothing for themselves and their children, she said.

Fewer people are donating now than in previous years, Diefenderfer said. She has spent eight years with charities, and said she knows what the families need.

The program cannot fully provide all the food each family needs, but it can be a big help, she said, allowing them to last through the month. There is a lot of need and not a lot of supplies, Diefenderfer said.

The organization is also trying to provide Christmas gifts for over 200 younger children. Even a used outfit, a pair of shoes or a toy can make all the difference in the world, she said. The deadline to submit unwrapped children's gifts is Dec. 13. Anyone wishing to adopt a family for the holidays can contact Diefenderfer directly to make arrangements.

“These families are in desperate need of help from their communities,” she said in an earlier interview. “Whatever people wish to give in whatever way they give it is always very much appreciated.”  

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