Mary Jo Updegrove, 87, came from Ingleside originally but grew up in Aransas Pass. She and her late husband, Elwood, owned and operated the Causeway Bait Stand on Ransom Island Rd. for many years before his death. As a couple, they also shrimped the Gulf waters aboard their boat, the ‘Ida Mae’. For the past 16 years, Mary Jo has volunteered with The Blessing’s Shop. Anyone who has donated items for the non-profit resale shop has likely met her in her role, managing the receiving end of the store.
Aransas Pass Progress
A local craftsman has started donating handmade items to the shop, like this gardening table that can go inside or outdoors to hold everything from hand tools, to seed and fertilizer bags, or flower pots and much more. Mary Jo has had both knees replaced and can’t lift heavy items, grateful this artisan and other volunteers will move large furniture and other pieces into the store for sale.
Aransas Pass Progress
Donations are received Monday through Saturday through an alley behind The Blessing’s Shop at 313 S. Commercial St. in Aransas Pass. This notice helps those unfamiliar with the process understand what items the organization won’t accept, though Mary Jo acknowledged not everyone paysattentionandvolunteers fill a nearby dumpster with some contributions that may be rejected.
Aransas Pass Progress
Updegrove turns 88 August 1. She often arrives to work at 6:00 a.m. and doesn’t leave until 4:00 p.m. six days a week. She savors interacting with donors, sorting contributions, or just having time to chat over a cup of coffee and watch the world go by until the next person drives up with something they hope the shop can use to sell. Monies raised are split among four local churches that founded the store, a fifth member is no longer active.
Aransas Pass Progress
Blessing’s Shop Volunteer Works to Help Serve Others
Six days a week, rain or shine, cold or hot, Mary Jo Updegrove drives a short distance from her Aransas Pass home to work. The 87-year-old is a widow. Has been for years. But she’s determined not to sit at home and waste away. Her three kids are all grown up. And her faith and how she was raised has taught her valuable lessons about giving back and helping others. So, she does, providing a familiar
