In October of 1983, the women of several Spruce Pine Churches recognized a need for a ministry to help the disadvantaged in Mitchell County. They came together and formed Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff. Today, the Shepherd’s Staff is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization with the primary goal of defeating hunger in Mitchell County. The Shepherd’s Staff has modified its services based on the funds available. When funding was abundant the Shepherd’s Staff helped people with medicines, rent, utilities, and clothing. As donations decreased, the board decided that the food pantry would be the priority and assistance with heat or utilities would be done on a funds available basis. Solid leadership coupled with multiple revenue streams in the form of grants, multiple church sponsorships, private donations, the MANNA partnership, and fundraisers have allowed Shepherd’s Staff to serve the people of Mitchell County for over 40 years and to continue that service for the foreseeable future.