By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.— Members of the Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Association heard a report from School Resource Officer Deputy Michelle Brewer on “The Shed”, a project she originated which helps the local needy without the usual bureaucratic red tape.
Brewer saw the needs among children first-hand as School Resource Officer at Rhea School and began collecting clothing and other items for them and her family. She at first distributed them from her home and as she began receiving more and more donations, she soon outgrew that location.
Brewer described the journey “The Shed” has made from an actual small shed, to a bigger shed and now a 30’ x 50’ building that is located in the area behind the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
She emphasized that “The Shed” is a community project and is there for everyone who needs it. The shed in which she and other volunteers operated and the building in which they operate now were donated.
“The Shed” distributes much-needed clothing, shoes, and other items to people in need. “We help anyone who needs help”, she said, noting there are no forms for people to fill out or embarrassing questions asked. “People in need don’t need to be made to feel worse. This is everybody’s shed because everyone needs help sometime. We’re all one pay check away from needing help ourselves.”
Brewer accepts donations of all types except furniture. “We don’t have the room for furniture, but can make arrangements to get the furniture to where it’s needed,” she said.
Brewer and other volunteers at “The Shed” keep busy sorting and arranging the donations, as well as ensuring that families in need receive what they need, from people who have lost everything in house fires, to homeless veterans, to people going through tough times.
Anyone can donate items Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The Shed” is available for donation drop-offs by calling the sheriff’s office at 642 1672.
“The Shed” is set up inside like a little store, with all the donated items neatly arranged on tables or on hangers. Children, adults and whole families can go through the items and take what they need, no questions asked. “We set up times for them to come when no one else is there so that they’re not embarrassed,” Brewer said. “We want them to feel comfortable.”
Volunteers are always needed to help at “The Shed”, helping to sort donations, folding, hanging the clothing, arranging other donations, and helping to clean.
In other business:
–Association Vice President Rachel Terrell reported on a planned fund-raiser to raise the local match for neighbourhood park being planned on Jackson Street. The fund-raiser will be a Valentine’s Day event at the new event center being opened on Washington Street by Ed and Vickey Roberts.
The park is located at 311 Jackson Street at the location of the eyesore that was demolished by the city of Paris. USDA has approved a grant to create a park there, but matching local funds are needed.
–A “Name The Park” contest is being held, with winners to be announced at the January Association meeting.
–The A-P Neighborhood will be lit up from December 15-January 1 and a lighting contest will be held, with judging December 15.
Photo: SRO Michelle Brewer presents information on “The Shed” at last night’s Atkins-Porter Association meeting. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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