With the holidays approaching, officials also are working to ensure local families in need get a helping hand this time of year.

Work continues on what will be Good Shepherd’s new home, a 9,300-square foot space at 423 E. Fourth St.

But back at the organization’s longtime home at 302 E. Fourth St., Good Shepherd, volunteers are getting ready for the holiday rush.

Good Shepherd serves many local families at Thanksgiving and then again at Christmas.

“We usually have 60-70 for Thanksgiving,” said Janet Stuke, Good Shepherd’s food bank coordinator. “Christmas it sometimes exceeds that.”

The organization provides food to families so they can prepare their own Thanksgiving meals. It offers the same assistance at Christmas and also provides gifts to give to the families’ children.

Families can apply for Thanksgiving assistance until 2 p.m. Saturday.

Registration for Christmas assistance will run until noon Dec. 17.

Those applying for assistance just need to bring in proof of income and fill out a wish list for children in their family.

Good Shepherd serves Leavenworth and Jefferson counties throughout the year, but because several organizations are offering services this time of year, Good Shepherd limits its coverage area to rural Leavenworth County. Families that might not qualify because they live outside the coverage area can check with Good Shepherd about other opportunities that might be available in the area.

Stuke said the organization uses money it has available to pay for holiday meals for families in need. She said monetary donations are especially welcome this time of year, but that all donations are greatly appreciated.

She said the pantry could use more canned fruits, meats, soups and vegetables this time of year.

“Or any other nonperishable items are always welcome,” she said.

People also can help by adopting families in need and providing items on their wish list. Those participating in the program remain anonymous, Stuke said.

As for the organization’s new site, Stuke said work continues. She hopes they’ll be able to open the news site next spring.

“We are making progress there,” Stuke said. “Contractors are doing their work. Right now, we’re just having to wait on a new roof to make sure it’s dry there before the major electrical things can get going.”

Good Shepherd will be renovating a back space at its new site for a food pantry. Stuke said Good Shepherd just received word that it was awarded a Pete and Margaret Leighty grant to renovate the space.

The new venue is about 2,500 square feet larger than the existing store and food bank. It’s in the former Pelzl’s store just west of the former Bichelmeyer’s Steakhouse.

Stuke said Good Shepherd also welcomes donated items for its thrift store at 302 E. Fourth St. She encourages people to drop off items during business hours.

Good Shepherd is open 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about receiving assistance or to donate, call 913-845-3964.