Allen Schellack has a problem.
He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.
Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.
“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.
These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.
The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.
In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.
In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.
In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.
At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.
Additional services are through partnerships with job search assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.
FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.
Volunteers are welcome.
