Community Fridge – Food for Our Neighbors

The Community Fridge, sponsored by Shelby Presbyterian Church, is a simple but powerful way for Cleveland County residents to share food and extend hospitality to one another. Located diagonally across from the Rainbow playground, the fridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone in need can stop by and take what helps, and anyone able to give can drop off fresh or shelf-stable items.

The Democratic Party of Cleveland County is partnering with Washington Outreach Ministry to serve as community fridge stewards. Together, we ensure the refrigerator remains safe, stocked, and welcoming. This stewardship includes coordinating volunteers, providing space for donations, and keeping the program running smoothly so it remains a reliable resource for neighbors who depend on it.

This month’s Community Fridge event will take place on September 20 at Shelby Presbyterian Church in downtown Shelby. Volunteers will gather to organize, clean, and restock the refrigerator. Donations of fruits, vegetables, pantry goods, bagged sandwiches, and clearly labeled prepared meals are especially needed. Every item placed in the fridge helps ensure that a neighbor has one less worry at the dinner table.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Cleveland County Democratic Party headquarters on Tuesdays from noon–6 PM and on Saturdays from 8 AM–2 PM. Refrigerated items may be placed directly in our refrigerator, while pantry items will be stored and stocked by volunteers as needed. Every contribution, large or small, goes directly toward keeping the Community Fridge available for neighbors who rely on it.

The Community Frig operates on trust and generosity. There are no forms to fill out, no identification required, and no questions asked. The goal is to reduce food insecurity in Cleveland County by offering a resource that is accessible, reliable, and free of barriers. For many families, it makes the difference between skipping meals and having enough to get through the week.

The idea began with a Shelby High School student who wanted to create a space where people could share directly with their neighbors. Since then, the project has grown through community support and volunteer efforts. It continues today because people believe in helping one another with dignity and respect.

Keeping the fridge clean, stocked, and safe takes many hands. Volunteers help wipe down surfaces, rotate items so that older food is used first, and ensure donated meals are clearly labeled. The Community Fridge is more than a refrigerator—it is a sign that Cleveland County can come together to meet a basic need with compassion. Every bag of apples, every box of cereal, and every jar of peanut butter placed on its shelves is a reminder that no one should feel forgotten.