Charity, from page 52 For those who can’t be in cold but still want to help, Dill said volunteers can be scheduled to work inside at JC Penney, or they can forego ringing the bell and simply greet shoppers in the foyer at Walmart. Access to a vehicle is not required for volunteers, but is helpful. So far, several organizations have signed up to help, including the cub scouts and boy scouts. Some young people fulfill community service requirements for school or teen court by volunteering. Its a fun way for families to come together and give of their time during the holidays too, Dill said. Last year, a family from St. John spent the day volunteering together, and a principal at a local elementary school and his three year-old daughter took a shift ringing bells. To volunteer, stop into the Salvation Army store at 2545 10th Street during business hours and sign up, or contact Dill at (620)792-4299. After hours, he can be reached at (620)282-7836.
Angel Tree Farmers Bank and Trust in Great Bend will once again have “angel” trees in the lobbies of both their Main Street and their 10th Street locations starting November 15, said Vice President Karesa Harrison. It’s all part of the 21st annual Light Up a Child’s Life Christmas program. Over the years, due to the generosity of the community and volunteer efforts of the bank staff, Christmas cheer has been brought to thousands of families who find themselves without resources. Working with several agencies, the bank collects the names and wish lists of area children. All identifying information is kept confidential, but individuals, groups and businesses who want to participate can find out about a child and adopt one or more from the “angel” tree. For those who prefer to simply make a donation, bank staff will shop for additional gifts, ensuring every child is cared for during the holidays. “By adopting a child, the “angels” agree to shop for the recipient and bring the gifts to the bank,” Harrison said. Volunteers then wrap them and prepare them for distribution. In the past, bank employees used to deliver them to the recipients. As the program has grown, recipients are contacted and invited to come to the bank to pick up gifts.
Page 54
Toys for Tots
Hungry Hearts soup kitchen
For families looking for a hands-on way to give this Christmas season, The Men could use a hand with wrapping hundreds of gifts for Toys for Tots. Toys for Tots is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve to make sure less fortunate children ages 12 and under can receive a new toy for Christmas. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. In Great Bend, that group is The Men Motorcycle Club. Member Luie Philbern is the Local Toys for Tots Campaign coordinator in charge of organizing the 2012 annual toy drive. It will be the 31st year Great Bend has participated, he said. The Men kicked off their campaign in October with the annual Toys for Tots parade with over 125 riders who carried new, unwrapped toys through the streets of Great Bend to the American Legion Hall where they will be stored until Dec. 15. On that day, at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 1011 Kansas Street, they and several volunteers will wrap the gifts that will be distributed locally, as well as to other Barton County towns, and areas of need throughout the state, Philbern said. “Last year, we provided gifts for 500 kids,” he said. So far, the community has been very generous, he said, and the group has not had to solicit last minute donations. Philbern said the group welcomes any and all the volunteers they can get to help with the wrapping. This year, they received a generous donation of wrapping paper, however, they could still use ink pens and scotch tape. “The American Legion Riders have pitched in with a lot of help, and have donated use of their building for the last three years for the wrapping,” Philbern said. Toy donations may be brought to the Salvation Army store on 10th Street in Great Bend, clearly labeled “Toys for Tots”, or they can contact Philbern at (620)791-7615, and arrange for one of The Men to come pick up the donation.
The Hungry Hearts soup kitchen serves a hot lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 every day of the year. They mostly serve adults, though during the summer and during holidays, they see more children. They serve from 50 to 90 people each day from their location at 1515 Williams Street, in the building directly north of The Life Giving Center, with more arriving from the 15th to the 30th of the month than during the first half of the month. “Usually they see larger numbers between the 15th and the 30th of each month. By the first of the month it slows down again,” Garcia said. “The majority are on assistance like food stamps.” The doors are open, however, to anyone who wants or needs a hot meal, she said. “I worry sometimes that many people feel like they can’t come and have a meal here because they aren’t homeless,” she said. “The soup kitchen is here for anybody whose grocery budget would benefit from having a free meal.” The soup kitchen is one of three services provided by Lasting Life ministries. They also provide financial assistance for rent and utilities, and provide clothing for those in need and household items to assist those coming out of homelessness to get started once again, Garcia said. On a normal day, the soup kitchen is open from 11:30 to 12:30, with four to five people helping. Three employees and one or two volunteers who are fulfilling community service requirements normally fill out the staff. On Thanksgiving, they will be open from 11:00 to 1:00 and will serve two to three times as many people than usual. Then there is the Christmas holiday meal. This year, Garcia would like to do something special for children. Recently, Lasting Life ministries received a large donation of stuffed animals, and she would like to fill stockings for kids with them. To volunteer or to make a donation of money, clothing or household items, contact Amanda Garcia at (620) 617-6610. These are only a few of the organizations that can use your donations of time, talent or treasure. Local churches, schools, and civic groups can also benefit from your generous spirit. Keep your eyes, ears, and hearts open for an opportunity, and may your days be filled with joy and peace throughout the Christmas season.
Home for the Holidays