The United Way of Bourbon County kicked off its campaign at the Jan. 25 Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee, which was hosted by Mercy Hospital.
Gina Shelton, president of the local United Way Board, said the best way to help in the fundraising is a payroll deduction.
She said the cost of a purchased soft drink, $1 if it was payroll deducted by many people, would help the agency meet its 2018 Campaign goal of $50,000.
The agency helps these entities in the county:
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Board provides rental and utility payment assistance and provides family season passes to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. Telephone: 620-223-5946
Bourbon County Senior Citizens provides Meals On Wheels to the elderly, general transportation and distributes commodities. 620-223-0750
Bourbon County 4-H Fair provides the annual fair and collaborates with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce on special events, as well as partners with Fort Scott Community College for parking during the annual rodeo. 620-547-2571
Kansas Legal Services provides legal representation to obtain restraining orders, provides advice on custody and child support and coordinates services with Safehouse and others. 620-232-1330
Keyhole Youth Center provides youth with games, TV, pool tables, ping pong and regular parties and get-togethers. The facility is located across from the Fort Scott High School. 620-223-4700
Mother to Mother Ministries helps women build friendships across economic barriers as well as self-esteem and parenting skills. Diapers, baby supplies, and food to mothers in need are also provided. 620-224-0809 or 620-215-0924.
Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance Hospitality Fund assists transients in their travel through the area by providing gas, food, bus transportation, rooms and auto repairs, as well as meet other physical needs of Bourbon County residents. 620-223-3862
Southeast Kansas Respite Service provides people to come into the home to give caregivers a break. Also provided are cleaning services, errands, and transportation services. 620-421-6550 Ext. 1642
Tri-Valley Developmental Services provides employment and retirement services, residential services and horticultural Therapy Programs. 620-431-7401
The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas provides financial aid with assistive technology and medical equipment and assistance with selecting the technology, along with specialized seating systems for wheelchair users. 316-688-1888
Members of the United Way Board of Directors are Shelton, president; Dee Anne Miller, vice-president; Alene Jolly/Jodi Johnson, secretary; Devin Tally, treasurer; Jessica Werner; Vickie Chaplin; Amanda Lancaster; Mitzi Davis; Mert Barrows: Cindy Bowman; and Charli Bolinger.