Platte Canyon Chamber Member Spotlight

Across the Platte Canyon region, more families than ever are struggling to keep food on the table. Rising prices, increased demand, and reductions in SNAP benefits have created a growing gap between what families need and what they can afford. For many local households, groceries have become one of the toughest monthly expenses to manage.

That’s why organizations like LifeBridge Food Pantry are so vital to our community. Every week, LifeBridge helps more than 120 Bailey-area families access fresh, nutritious food—along with kindness, dignity, and support. Their work has become a lifeline for neighbors of all ages, from young families to seniors on fixed incomes and that’s why they are our spotlight member of the month. 

LifeBridge Food Pantry & Founders John and Lindy Obrecht

For more than a decade, LifeBridge Food Pantry has quietly and powerfully changed lives across Bailey and the Platte Canyon area. But to understand how this essential resource came to be, you have to start with the hearts behind it: longtime Bailey residents John and Lindy Obrecht.

After serving 38 years at Camp IdRaHaJe, John retired—and quickly discovered that retirement wasn’t for him. When a previous food pantry in the area closed, John felt called to do something. Helping others has always been part of his nature—he used to take leftover camp food to families who were struggling—so opening a local food pantry felt like a natural extension of their lives. In 2012, LifeBridge Food Pantry began, first rotating between homes, then operating from their garage for more than two years. Eventually, Crow Hill Bible Church provided space—until LifeBridge outgrew it as well.

Today, LifeBridge operates from the Bailey Business Center, which John and Lindy remodeled into a welcoming and efficient space. The pantry became such a vital community resource that generous supporters stepped in to help purchase the building two years ago. That permanent home has allowed LifeBridge to expand food storage, welcome more families, and continue growing to meet rising needs.

Every Friday and Saturday, between 120 and 130 local families walk through the doors to select foods they can take home and prepare. LifeBridge does not prepare meals—the mission is to help families feed themselves with dignity and choice. And with prices rising and SNAP benefits fluctuating, the need continues to grow.

LifeBridge relies on 30–40 volunteers who help run the pantry, manage the clothing closet, assist with firewood distribution, pick up donations, and stock shelves. There is no paid staff—John raises his own support like a missionary, so donations go directly to serving families. Their work is powered entirely by generosity, community, and faith.

How They Stretch Every Dollar

While donations of food and toiletries are always welcome, monetary donations often have the greatest impact. John keeps a sharp eye on every sale at King Soopers, Safeway, and Walmart—buying essentials by the case when prices drop. Milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti, sauce, and produce are always in high demand. LifeBridge also partners with Food Bank of the Rockies and receives shipments through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), providing staple items like canned goods, fruit, vegetables, and pantry basics.

Holiday Support for Local Families

This time of year is especially important—and LifeBridge works hard to ensure local families can enjoy special holiday meals they might otherwise go without.

For Thanksgiving, LifeBridge is assembling full holiday meal baskets. Each complete basket costs $60, and LifeBridge is asking for help in one of two ways:


✅ Donate $60 to sponsor an entire basket, or


✅ Donate a frozen turkey or other items from the list below

Thanksgiving donations are needed by November 22nd.

More Than Food

LifeBridge also offers:


• a free clothing closet

• emergency firewood (when available)

• a safe, friendly, judgment-free environment

Families from Bailey, Harris Park, Pine Junction, Fairplay, Jefferson, Lake George, and even Conifer come for support. There are no qualifications or proof required—if someone needs food, LifeBridge is there.

A Legacy of Service

John and Lindy have lived in Bailey for 52 years. They raised their family here, served the community through IdRaHaJe, and built LifeBridge from the ground up. Their deep faith fuels everything they do, along with an unshakable love for the people of this community.

“We love Bailey-ites,” they said. “The people we serve are outstanding people who just need help. It’s an honor to be here for them.”

How You Can Help

✅ Donate money, food or toiletries

✅ Volunteer your time
✅ Donate firewood from mitigation projects

✅ Participate in Thanksgiving or Christmas contributions

✅ Spread the word to families who might need support

LifeBridge is open:


Fridays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturdays: 9:00 AM – Noon

To volunteer or donate, contact:
John Obrecht – john.obrecht50@gmail.com 303-909-7534

Make a Donation

You can donate online at https://www.lifebridgeco.org

LifeBridge’s Mission

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
— Matthew 25:35 (NIV)

LifeBridge operates from a simple but profound purpose:

Mission Statement:
Bridging the gap during difficult times… showing God’s love and compassion by providing food, clothing, and services to those in need in the Platte Canyon area.

This mission guides everything they do—from the way families are welcomed, to the care taken in providing choice, dignity, and respect to everyone who walks through their doors.

A Treasure in Bailey

LifeBridge Food Pantry is one of the most trusted and beloved organizations in our region—not just because they feed people, but because they treat everyone with dignity, compassion, and respect. The Platte Canyon Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight their mission and honor the extraordinary work of John and Lindy Obrecht.