Here's What's Happening AT SHEM...
2026 Vacation Bible School at New Life in Christ Fellowship
SHEM extends its heartfelt thanks to New Life in Christ Church, the dedicated Vacation Bible School staff, the church congregation, and the boys and girls who participated in the exciting "True North" Alaskan-themed VBS program held June 17–19. Through engaging Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, and snacks, more than 80 children, ages 4 through 8th grade, learned to trust Jesus while creating lasting memories. Nearly 40 volunteers generously gave hundreds of hours to make this special week possible. A friendly coin challenge between the boys and girls raised funds for SHEM, and the church congregation graciously matched the donation. With the growing number of families seeking emergency food assistance, this generous gift comes at a particularly important time. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and financial support. Thank you for partnering with SHEM to strengthen and serve our community. Check out the picture gallery!
2026 Sweet Home Community Foundation Recipient!
SHEM gratefully acknowledges the Sweet Home Community Foundation for awarding a grant for the purchase of a 3 Bay Commercial Freezer. This new freezer replaces the oldest unit at the pantry. The freezer being replaced served the pantry for over 25 years and was moved to 4 different locations in its lifetime of service. A special thanks, too, for local business partners who also helped to fund the project. Walker Heating of Sweet Home installed the new freezer and removed and then recycled the old one for SHEM. Please see our picture gallery for pictures commemorating the event!
Quickly Approaching Event!
Back To School Celebration
SHEM volunteers once again participate in the Community Health Fair Day in August and coordinate the Back to School Bash event for Sweet Home School District students this year and distribute hundreds backpacks filled with school supplies. Any backpacks remaining will be dispers to local SH area schools.
Community Christmas Box Program
A community wide supported Christmas Meal Box Program is sponsored by local churches and civic organizations. Each year, there are typically approximately 250 to 280 Christmas Meal boxes distributed. Applications are available at SHEM (1115 Long Street).. All applications must be received with 2 working telephone numbers where you can be reached at SHEM by the posted date on application form.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
SHEM and organized Community Teams of Volunteer bell ringers will be out in force this year at Bi-Mart.
SHEM partners with Salvation Army and Bi-Mart starting the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in November and continues until shortly before Christmas. All of the funds raised through the bell-ringing project are used to purchase backpacks for children in our community.
Press Releases
2026 Sweet Home Community Foundation Recipient!
SHEM gratefully acknowledges the Sweet Home Community Foundation for awarding a grant for the purchase of a 3 Bay Commercial Freezer. This new freezer replaces the oldest unit at the pantry. The freezer being replaced served the pantry for over 25 years and was moved to 4 different locations in its lifetime of service. A special thanks, too, for local business partners who also helped to fund the project. Walker Heating of Sweet Home installed the new freezer and removed and then recycled the old one for SHEM. Please see our picture gallery for pictures commemorating the event!
Hawthorne Elementary School 2025
Students and staff at Hawthorne Elementary School held a very successful cereal drive for SHEM (and the KidsPack Program). Over 1700 boxes were collected and arranged as an elongated domino run and culminated in the release of the first box of cereal, which tipped the next until all 1700 plus boxes were felled. SHEM Volunteers acknowledged thankfulness by creating a "Giant Box of Hornet O's Cereal" in lieu of a thank you card. The cereal box was accompanied by a video produced of Gracie, SHEM pantry mascot/service dog, who showed off her amazing skills in releasing a long string of cereal boxes, exuberantly jumping into the air and then finishing with bowing to her audience.