The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. Submitted photo. Ashley Heathman, assistant director, David Gillen, director, and Destiny Holderfield, food administrator.
The Beacon is an interfaith, not-for-profit network in Bourbon County that has been in existence for 40 years. They assist community residents with food, utilities, and other necessities during times of need.
“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need,” according to Dave Gillen, the director.
This time of year, the community gears up to give gifts and food to those who need it.
“The Adopt-A-Family program is a project that The Beacon takes great pride in,” said Gillen. “We help local Bourbon County families bring Christmas to their homes. After the application is filled out, we make the families available for the public and organizations to come in and ‘adopt’. They then purchase gifts for the children and The Beacon puts together a rather large holiday meal package for the family. The children’s Christmas gifts are purchased, wrapped, and tagged with the family number and dropped off at Community Christian Church, where we sort into the proper family group.”
Those who want to adopt a family can come to The Beacon, 525 E. Sixth, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick the family they want to adopt or call 620-223-6869.
Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton is where the Adopt A Family gifts are sorted and distributed.
There is an increase in the number of local families in need this year.
“This year we have 112 families, which includes 290 children that will be up for ‘adoption.’These families are current Beacon clients or families needing help in Bourbon County. Last year we had 77 families for the Adopt-A-Child program so we had a major increase in local families in need this year.”
“This program could not be possible without the help of individuals, businesses, organizations, and our local fire department,” he said. “It takes many volunteers to transfer and sort food from The Beacon to the Community Christian Church gym.”
“The Beacon also helps supply food items for the Elk’s Christmas Basket that is delivered the Sunday before Christmas,” he said.
“We are very busy this time of year with food and toy donations, sign-up, and just everyday activities,” he said. “We average about 25 to 30 families a day for food distribution and do some financial assistance to help residents of Bourbon County. The Beacon celebrated our 40th year helping Bourbon County this year. “
“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need.“
Drivers will pick up prepared meals Buck Run Community Center and deliver to individuals on a designated route within Fort Scott City limits.
Please Contact Roz Scarborough for more information:
phone: 620-251-7313
All Volunteers must complete the background check application and return ASAP before being assigned a route. You can pick up an application at the K-STATE Research and Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, KS.
Uniontown’s Park is the site of the 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park.
The 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park in downtown Uniontown is this Sunday, November 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Decorating the park and putting up lights starts at 1 p.m.
“The purpose of the event is to make the park beautiful for Christmas, bring the community together, and have some fun,” said Mary Pemberton, a spokesperson for the Uniontown Ruritian.
“Everyone is welcome,” she said. “Come help light up the park for Christmas!”
Christmas light donations are welcome and can be left at Bandera Stone, 103 Third Street, on the north side of the park, by Friday, November 22.
The Larry Jurgensen family poses next to their decorated tree in the 2023 contest. Submitted photo.
Christmas trees will be decorated, and a contest will be held. Everyone in the park at 5:30 p.m. will vote for their favorite.
The Barnstormers 4-H Club members pose next to the decorated tree in last year’s contest. Submitted photo.
The Baptist Church youth group will be caroling during the event, to add some Christmas cheer.
There will be a chili feed with dessert and drink for a free-will donation. The proceeds will help support Christmas in the Park.
The chili feed will be from 4-6 p.m. in the community building on the east side of the park.
A bingo game, with proceeds to the Old Settlers Day 2025, from 3-5 p.m.
A cornhole board will be available to play, as well as the pickleball court.
A special guest will be Santa Claus who will visit with children from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the gazebo in the middle of the park.
The 36th annual Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed is today, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.
A meal of the Pioneer’s signature chili, (the same recipe prepared since the chili feed’s inception) with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
A free-will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) will be collected at the door.
“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” stated
Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy of the First United Methodist Church on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.”
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers major fundraiser for the year.
In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of Improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including college scholarships, Court Appointed Special Advocates (for children), the Backpack food program,
Fort Scott High School Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, foster children, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share,
and school reading and arts programs.
About Pioneer Kiwanis
They are a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County.
Recently they completed a project for the local Head Start Program that involved Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades class members.
Head Start Fort Scott now has two new picnic tables for picnics and art classes at their site at 409 S. Judson.
A recent project of the Pioneer KiwanisPictured are (seated) front row from left, Pioneer Kiwanis members Kelley Collins and Vickie Chaplin; SEK-CAP Child and Family Development Educator Janice Durbin and Marie Wheeler, cook; middle row (seated) Maggie Brenner and Marlene Braker (standing) of the Pioneer Kiwanis; back row from left, Fort Scott Community College construction trades instructor Jason Johnson and students.
Members of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, SEK-CAP representatives, students in Fort Scott High School’s construction trades program, and their instructor pose for a photo, above, during the presentation of the two picnic tables to the SEK-CAP Head Start program this month.
Volunteers are needed in Fort Scott as meal servers and meal delivery drivers for the Southeast Kansas Agency on Aging 60+ nutrition program. The positions are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Call Deb Stewart at 620-305-1539 for any questions.
It’s that time of year that people begin thinking about Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, and for many, having enough food to feed their families is an ongoing issue.
Three local organizations have started a food drive, the Bourbon County-Wide Gratitude Challenge, that will help contribute to limited-resource residents’ food availability. The food drive will continue until November 25.
Canned goods, boxed meals, and dry goods, as well as essential personal hygiene products, will be collected. The items will be distributed to local food pantries and other organizations working to support those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
“During this season of gratitude, we have an opportunity to give back to our neighbors in a meaningful way,” said Lisa Robertson, Community Health Worker with The Local Health Equity Action Team. “Food insecurity is a real challenge for many in our community, and by coming together, we can make sure that no one has to go without the basic necessities of life.”
The Guild Mortgage Company, 1 E. Wall, is taking donations for the food drive. Submitted photo.
Tomorrow: A Drive-up, Drop-off Event
Saturday, November 9, Lisa Robertson, LHEAT Community Health Worker, and Lea Kay Karsleskint, with K-State Extension SNAP-ED, will be outside at Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on North National Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon for the convenience of drive-up and drop-off contributions.
There are several options for those who want to help the cause.
Monetary Donations: HBCAT will accept monetary donations to purchase essential food pantry items.
Drop Off Non-Perishable Items: Take non-perishable food items to any of the participating drop-off sites below. Several partner organizations are offering drawing entries for gift cards and more, to those who donate at their business establishment.
5 Corners Mini Mart
Bourbon County Courthouse
Bourbon County EMS
Buck Run Community Center
Citizens Bank
City Hall
City State Bank
Community Health Center of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Scott Christian Heights
Fort Scott Fire Station #2 – 23 S. Franklin
Fort Scott Police Department
Guest Home Estates
Guild Mortgage – 1 E Wall
Kansas Renewal Institute
HBCAT – 104 N. National
The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
Landmark National Bank – Downtown location
Papa Don’s
Peerless Products
Perry’s Pork Rinds
SEK-Mental Health
The Artificers
Union State Bank
Uniontown Spark Wheel
Ward-Kraft
Order from Walmart: Place an online order for delivery directly to the HBCAT office at 104 N. National.
Drive-Up and Drop-Off: On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, drive up and drop off your donations in front of Brick Street BBQ. Volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations.
Get Your Church or Organization Involved: If you have not yet been contacted and would like your church or organization to participate in making this food drive a success, please reach out to HBCAT.
Contact for More Information: Call the HBCAT office at 620-224-2563 for additional details or questions.
Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main, created a Thanksgiving theme at their drop-off location.
The drive, spearheaded by the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), and K-State Research and Extension SNAP-ED, has set in motion area partners who are collecting non-perishable food items, according to a press release from Kansas State.
“The Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) coalition is taking proactive steps to address pressing health disparities in our community,” Karleskint said. “Meeting bi-monthly, this diverse group of local leaders, health professionals, and community members collaborates on identifying and tackling the most urgent public health challenges affecting residents.”
“One of the critical issues that the LHEAT has identified and is actively working to address is food insecurity,” she said. “With many individuals and families in our community struggling to access healthy and nutritious food, the coalition is committed to finding sustainable solutions that will help alleviate hunger and improve overall health outcomes.”
“We know that food insecurity is not just a matter of access—it’s a health issue that impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” said Karleskint. “By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, we’re not only raising awareness about the issue but also working collaboratively to implement real, lasting change.”
“The coalition’s efforts are part of a larger initiative to reduce health disparities and improve well-being for all community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Through these ongoing discussions and partnerships, the Local Health Equity Action Team is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable community.”
How It Started
“At a recent LHEAT meeting, Lisa Robertson, our LHEAT lead, proposed organizing a food drive to address the ongoing food insecurity in Bourbon County,” Karleskint said. “Having seen firsthand the struggles faced by many in her role as a Community Health Worker, Lisa is deeply committed to supporting underserved community members. After she introduced the idea, the LHEAT team came together to brainstorm ways to make it a meaningful event. A few weeks later, Lisa reached out to several local food pantries, churches, and The Beacon, inviting them to meet with she and I. As an LHEAT member and the KSRE SNAP-Ed nutrition educator for Bourbon County, I was eager to partner on this project. Together, we held a productive brainstorming session, generating ideas that would inspire community involvement and ensure the food drive’s success. With the weather getting colder and the holidays approaching, we thought now would be the perfect time to implement our project.”
Here’s a summary of the food assistance resources in Bourbon County they plan to assist:
The Beacon Food Pantry provides essential services for those in need Monday – Friday
Fort Scott High School Pantry and Fort Scott Community College Pantry offer students access to essential food items.
Uniontown Spark Wheel and Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church Pantry serve Uniontown residents, supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Blessing Boxes are small, community-based outdoor pantries stocked with essentials for immediate access.
Bethesda Church Food Pantry and First Baptist Church Food Pantry provide ongoing support for local families in need.
Fulton Community Pantry will assist local households in need, and Bronson Library Food Pantry extends support to residents in the Bronson area.
These organizations are part of a collaborative network dedicated to combating hunger in Bourbon County.
“We encourage any additional food pantries in Bourbon County that we may not yet be aware of to reach out to us,” Karleskint said. “Connecting with these resources allows us to strengthen our community network and better support residents facing food insecurity.
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 36th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
