All the money given to the Salvation Army Bell Ringers in our ,stays in Bourbon County to help those in need.
The needs provided: utility, rent, prescriptions, temporary lodging, gasoline for work/doctor appointments, eyeglasses, “basically financial aid,” Allen Schellack, Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, said.
“Since 2016, we are the service unit of the Salvation Army in Bourbon County,” he said.
“Things happen in life,” he said. “Someone has lost their job and never had a need before, or the death of the breadwinner in the family. I have clients who need gas to go to Pittsburg for a doctor’s appointment. They need proof of need (to receive help).”
He said there is a great need for volunteers to ring bells to raise funds for those needs, stationed at the entrances of the local Walmart store.
“A lot of times there are just one to three people a day, somedays there is no one to bell ring,” Schellack said.”I can always use bell ringers.”
“Today I have a fifth-grade class from Eugene Ware (Elementary School) coming for an hour to Walmart,” he said. “Kiwanis has come in for a day to bell ring. Last week for two days, one-half day each, the Fort Scott High School FFA came. That was good for us.”
Individuals, families, groups, and organizations have helped in the past.
“I would like for a group to come in and perform music (while bell ringing),” he said. “That would be neat.”
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Outreach Center also offers free space heaters, blankets, bedding, towels, homeless/transient assist packs, Christmas for teens and families, and school supplies for middle/high school students as some of its outreaches.
To bell ring, calll Schellack at 620.223.2212.
If you would like to donate directly, a check can be sent to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 774, 2nd Floor Suite, Fort Scott, KS 66779, and write Salvation Army in the memo part of the check.
About the ministry:
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is a 501(C)3 volunteer organization. There is no paid staff. Services are provided through the generosity of local churches, grants, and community partners.
The ministry started in January 2014, under the name of My Father’s House. In October 2016 the ministry became a joint effort of community leaders and area churches and is sponsored by Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Among the services provided are family outreach services with CarePortal, homeless outreach services, hygienic services, medical supplies (diabetic and durable medical equipment), and fellowship.