Shirley Renee Wiggs
From Staff Reports and the Daughters of Ruth
In Summary:
Shirley Renee Wiggs created the Daughters of Ruth to honor her mother’s legacy of compassion and to serve people experiencing homelessness. Throughout 2025, the organization has hosted major community events, including a Women’s Day Brunch and the Bounty of Blankets drive. Their latest effort, the Gifts From St. Nick campaign, aims to collect winter essentials for Apopka’s homeless population by December 21.
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For Shirley Renee Wiggs, the mission to help people experiencing homelessness dates back to a childhood shaped by hardship, resilience, and her mother's unwavering compassion. Wiggs, the founder of the Daughters of Ruth organization in Apopka, grew up in Brooklyn in the 60s and witnessed homelessness and despair daily.
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Her parents worked professional jobs, created small side businesses, and did everything they could to provide for their large family. Yet in their neighborhood, it was never difficult to find someone who needed food, baby formula, or a place to sleep.
Her mother, Dr. Ruth Elizabeth Woodcock, stood as a pillar of care and community activism.
Micheal Franklin: Strata Sound & Stages at the November 7 Puddin's Place Fest to help launch the Bounty of Blankets drive.
"She freely gave of her time, talents, and treasures to assist anyone," Wiggs said.
But one winter, the family found themselves in crisis. Domestic struggles forced her mother to leave their beloved brownstone, moving her six children—then ages 6 to 16—into a shelter.
"Going to and from school while living in a shelter gave me a true understanding of the value of humility," she said. "It taught me what it means to find yourself where life's circumstances can lead."
Vendor: Sandra Varn at the November 7 Puddin's Place Fest to help launch the Bounty of Blankets drive.
Despite hardships, her mother raised all six children into adulthood, watching them build successful lives. Today, Wiggs credits that experience for shaping her life's passion: serving those most in need.
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Wiggs founded the Daughters of Ruth (DOR) to honor her mother's spirit of service. The organization seeks out resources and partnerships to support the homeless—particularly women and children who often face hidden or overlooked challenges.
It's been a busy year for the non-profit in 2025.
In May, the DOR hosted a free Women's Day Brunch at First Methodist Church in Apopka, featuring more than 25 vendors and drawing over 100 attendees. The event raised funds for the Homeless Children's Educational Shelter.
Shirley Wiggs singing with the R&R Motown Music Review band at the November 7 Puddin's Place Fest.
On November 7, DOR partnered with Puddin's Place Fest at 614 S. Park Avenue to launch its Bounty of Blankets drive. Local vendors, Puddin's Food Truck, the DJs of Strata Sound and Stages, and the soulful R&R Motown Music Review band all contributed to the effort. More than 50 blankets were collected and distributed to over 35 members of Apopka's homeless community.
"These partnerships have shown what can happen when people come together with purpose," Wiggs said.
December's Mission: 'Gifts From St. Nick'
Now, the Daughters of Ruth is turning its focus to winter needs—specifically cold-weather essentials many unhoused residents lack.
In partnership with First Methodist Church of Apopka, under the direction of Pastor John Fisher, the organization is spearheading the Gifts From St. Nick's Socks, Hats, and Gloves Drive.
The goal is to collect as many socks, hats, and gloves as possible by December 21 for Apopka residents who sleep under bridges, in doorways, and in wooded areas.
"They say your tests in life become your testimony," Wiggs said. "My hope and prayer is to continue this mission, partnering with all who believe supporting the homeless is part of their life's journey. Being passionate about serving the needs of others—together, we can live out the mission of Jesus in Matthew 25:34-40."
How to help
Community members who wish to donate items or offer support are encouraged to reach out. Donations of new socks, hats, and gloves will be collected through December 21.
Contact: Ms. Renee (Wiggs): 863-582-2802
Email: Teachem2fish@gmail.com
Key Points:
- Wiggs’ mission is inspired by her own childhood, including a period when her family lived in a shelter after losing their home.
- The Daughters of Ruth focuses on supporting homeless individuals, especially women and children.
- In May, the nonprofit hosted a Women’s Day Brunch that raised funds for the Homeless Children’s Educational Shelter.
- In November, the group partnered with Puddin’s Place Fest to collect more than 50 blankets for people experiencing homelessness.
- The December “Gifts From St. Nick” drive seeks socks, hats, and gloves to help Apopka’s homeless residents stay warm during winter.
