Shepherd's Heart 3/13/26
This past weekend, something powerful happened.
Because hundreds of volunteers stepped forward, 412,344 meals were packed—enough to provide daily nourishment for 1,129 children for an entire year. Pause for a moment and take that in.
Because people showed up.
Because hands were willing.
Because hearts were open.
Together with churches, businesses, and community partners from across our region, Feed the Need 2026 became a powerful expression of what happens when people unite around a shared purpose: ensuring children around the world receive the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
Good Shepherd was strongly represented throughout the entire event. More than 275 of our volunteers packed and labeled meals across six shifts, while 62 additional congregants served as greeters, ambassadors, registration assistants, and specialized volunteers.
At one point during the weekend, a volunteer walked in and said, “I feel like I just walked into Good Shepherd—just in a different location.” And in many ways, that was exactly true.
And the impact extended beyond the packing lines.
Our volunteers also collected 813 pounds of food and supplies for Loaves & Fishes, helping provide care and dignity for neighbors right here in our own community.
This is what happens when God’s people come together.
Meals are packed.
Children are nourished.
Communities are strengthened.
Hope is restored.
Feed the Need is never just about a single weekend. It is a reminder of who we are and what God can do when we step forward together.
And if serving this weekend stirred something in your heart, we invite you to keep that momentum going. Throughout the year, Good Shepherd offers many opportunities to love our neighbors through hands-on service.
Monthly Serving Opportunities
• DuPage Care Center – Third Sunday
• Hesed House – Jan / Mar / May / Jul / Sep / Nov
• Loaves & Fishes – Feb / Apr / Jun / Aug / Oct / Dec
• Prison Ministry – First & Third Saturdays
• Quilting (Thursdays) and Knitting (Tuesdays)
Upcoming Serve Event
Rebuilding Together Aurora Community Block Build – May 8 & 9
Volunteers, skilled trades professionals, and community partners will gather for a two-day transformation on Aurora’s West Side—repairing homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and rebuilding lives. More than a service project, this effort reflects what is possible when a community shows up for one another.
Mark your calendars and consider joining us. While each of these ministries may look different from Feed the Need, the heartbeat is the same: serving our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and love.
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for once again stepping forward with open hands and willing hearts.
For Jesus. For Our Neighbors. For Our World.
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
Because hundreds of volunteers stepped forward, 412,344 meals were packed—enough to provide daily nourishment for 1,129 children for an entire year. Pause for a moment and take that in.
Because people showed up.
Because hands were willing.
Because hearts were open.
Together with churches, businesses, and community partners from across our region, Feed the Need 2026 became a powerful expression of what happens when people unite around a shared purpose: ensuring children around the world receive the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
Good Shepherd was strongly represented throughout the entire event. More than 275 of our volunteers packed and labeled meals across six shifts, while 62 additional congregants served as greeters, ambassadors, registration assistants, and specialized volunteers.
At one point during the weekend, a volunteer walked in and said, “I feel like I just walked into Good Shepherd—just in a different location.” And in many ways, that was exactly true.
And the impact extended beyond the packing lines.
Our volunteers also collected 813 pounds of food and supplies for Loaves & Fishes, helping provide care and dignity for neighbors right here in our own community.
This is what happens when God’s people come together.
Meals are packed.
Children are nourished.
Communities are strengthened.
Hope is restored.
Feed the Need is never just about a single weekend. It is a reminder of who we are and what God can do when we step forward together.
And if serving this weekend stirred something in your heart, we invite you to keep that momentum going. Throughout the year, Good Shepherd offers many opportunities to love our neighbors through hands-on service.
Monthly Serving Opportunities
• DuPage Care Center – Third Sunday
• Hesed House – Jan / Mar / May / Jul / Sep / Nov
• Loaves & Fishes – Feb / Apr / Jun / Aug / Oct / Dec
• Prison Ministry – First & Third Saturdays
• Quilting (Thursdays) and Knitting (Tuesdays)
Upcoming Serve Event
Rebuilding Together Aurora Community Block Build – May 8 & 9
Volunteers, skilled trades professionals, and community partners will gather for a two-day transformation on Aurora’s West Side—repairing homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and rebuilding lives. More than a service project, this effort reflects what is possible when a community shows up for one another.
Mark your calendars and consider joining us. While each of these ministries may look different from Feed the Need, the heartbeat is the same: serving our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and love.
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for once again stepping forward with open hands and willing hearts.
For Jesus. For Our Neighbors. For Our World.
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister