MORGANTOWN — For half a century, Christian Help has quietly stood as a steady source of support for individuals and families facing hardship in Morgantown and the surrounding region. Founded in 1975, the local nonprofit has spent the last 50 years responding to community needs with immediacy, simplicity and dignity — offering help free of charge to anyone who needs it.
Located at 219 Walnut Street in downtown Morgantown, Christian Help provides a wide range of services, from emergency food and clothing to financial assistance, job readiness programs and life skills education. As the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, its mission remains unchanged: to meet people where they are and help them move forward.
“Christian Help was founded by Sister Thecla Shiel, who was a former principal of St. Francis School,” said Executive Director Colleen Lankford. “In 1975, there was a call for the church community to become more involved in social justice issues, and she and Father Bandiera felt it would be a good idea to formalize a process that was already happening — connecting people who needed resources with those who had items they were willing to give.”
What began as a service committee effort through St. Theresa’s Church soon became a freestanding 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community welfare. From the beginning, Christian Help offered a free store and food pantry and has continued to expand as new needs arise.
Today, Christian Help offers emergency financial assistance to help avert utility shutoffs, provide transportation or cover prescriptions; a food pantry that supplies three to five days of food and household essentials; and a free store that includes clothing, housewares, linens, infant supplies and school items. Visitors can shop at no cost as resources allow.
“There’s no requirement for affiliation, income level or payback,” Lankford said. “The whole purpose is to facilitate help when people need it — as it occurs.”
That philosophy has guided the organization through decades of economic shifts and emergencies. Lankford recalled assisting families affected by the most recent government shutdowns who suddenly found themselves without income, despite typically being financially stable.
“We were here to help them, whether it was a utility bill, a prescription or food for the table,” she said. “There’s not a single one of us — no matter how much you make — who won’t need help at some point in life.”
In addition to daily services for families and individuals, Christian Help is well known for its large-scale community events, many of which focus on children. This year’s holiday toy distribution served 1,196 children from 485 families, following months of preparation that began in October with the setup of Santa’s Workshop.
“That program alone takes two and a half to three months of planning,” Lankford said. “After distribution, we also operate a post-event toy store so families can continue shopping for their children.”
Other annual programs include a Back-to-School event that provides students in kindergarten through 12th grade with multiple outfits, shoes and undergarments, as well as a Pop-Up Prom Shop held at all three Monongalia County public high schools. The prom shop allows students to select formalwear and accessories for prom and other milestone events at no cost.
Beyond material assistance, Christian Help also supports long-term stability through its Career Closets, Employment Support Center and free life skills courses. Volunteers assist with résumé development, interview preparation, financial literacy, insurance education, nutrition and job readiness training.
“We rely on people giving back in ways they don’t always think about,” Lankford said. “We have bankers teaching finance classes, HR professionals helping with interviews and trainers explaining insurance options. It’s not just sorting clothes — it’s sharing knowledge.”
Christian Help operates with a small staff of four employees and a large volunteer base and is currently seeking a volunteer coordinator. Donations of time, items and financial support allow the organization to continue offering all services at no cost.
As the organization reflects on 50 years of service, Lankford said Christian Help remains committed to being a place of dignity, compassion and hope.
“We’re here to support anyone,” she said. “No matter the circumstance.”
Christian Help is open for services Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are accepted Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information is available at motownchristianhelp.com.
Bpowell@dominionpost.com
