Shepherd’s House Ministry has slated a Stuff the Stocking event for Saturday at Old North State Winery to keep funds coming in to aid the homeless.

According to Shepherd’s House Spokesperson Traci Haynes, the fundraiser will feature the talents of local band Mediocre Bad Guys. It is set to begin at 8 p.m. with the doors closing at midnight.

“Old North State Winery often lends its space out at no charge for non-profit groups like ours to hold fundraisers,” said Haynes. “All the money from the door goes directly to the Shepherd’s House.” She indicated the Shepherd’s House has helped more than 1,200 people since it opened in 2003 and has 2,397 total hours of counseling.

She indicated the shelter has provided nearly 35,000 nights of shelter and close to 100,00 meals. Haynes said all its fundraisers are vital for the continuation of assistance to homeless local families.

Haynes said the Mediocre Bad Guys members include Les Slate, Jerry Chapman, Gary Manfredi and Doug Davis. She said the local group plays a combination of 70s to 90s music with classic rock, beach music and original tunes. The local band was once a cover band, hence the name.

She said stuff the stocking represents a new fund raising direction for The Shepherd’s House, which has traditionally relied on one large event in February for raising funds.

“The board’s fund raising committee decided to do small fund raisers throughout the year to keep funding more constant.” She said stuff the stocking seemed a natural direction to go around the Christmas holiday season.

Haynes lauded the work of Shepherd’s house founder, the late David Simmons. Haynes said the Shepherd’s House was “just a great idea for us to carry on.” She added that Santa’s helpers will be designated and be on hand Saturday to encourage participants to give by circulating throughout the crowd with a large Christmas stocking.

“North State Winery has been so good to give back to the community,” said Haynes. “Owners Ben and Ellie Webb deserve props for their cooperation which has established the winery as a well-known place for fun events to help non-profits.” Haynes said that in addition to the band, a 50/50 raffle will be held with half the proceeds also going to The Shepherd’s house at the end of the evening.

The Shepherd’s House is a 24-hour homeless shelter designed to help clients get back on their feet through programs that emphasize discipleship, financial responsibility, hard work, and discipline. Donations are used to provide housing, food, clothing, counseling, transportation, assistance with social services applications, job searching and more. The motto of the organization is to help neighbors with a hand-up, not a hand-out. The House looks to celebrate it’s tenth year next year.

Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.