By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Community Assistance Center in Hays has reached its $5,000 fundraising goal much sooner than expected.
The CAC embarked on a cash fundraising drive because the annual mail carrier food drive that usually restocks the pantry in the spring was cancelled as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.
The Robert E. and Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation and the Bank of Hays both agreed to match up to $5,000 each toward the drive.
Gary Shorman, Schmidt Foundation president, said via email, "We are pleased that so many people stepped up to help the Community Assistance Center during this crisis. I'm always impressed in the way our community jumps in to help when there is a need like we have today.
"I also want to thank the Bank of Hays for adding an additional $5,000 in matching funds and hope others will step up and help as well."
John Clarke, Bank of Hays president, also responded to the community's generosity.
"Bank of Hays is responding to the coronavirus emergency on multiple fronts," he said via email. "The Community Assistance Center and its food bank is a great organization that provides much needed assistance to people in need, and we are proud to help support it."
The CAC accepts monetary and food donations year round, and donations are still coming in from the cash drive, said Laurie Mortinger, CAC director. She said she did not have a total donated to date on the cash drive.
"I am not surprised about the donations," she said. "Hays has always been vey generous."
Mortinger said the donations have come in large and small amounts. One women called this week and said she wanted to donate part of her stimulus check.
"It all adds up, and we really appreciate it," Mortinger said.
You can still send checks to the CAC at 208 E. 12th, Hays, KS 67601.
The CAC's next big food drive will be Trick-or-Treat so Others Can Eat in October.
The CAC receives no government funding. It raises some funds through garage sales, but those have been temporarily canceled due to corona virus precautions.
The CAC has had new families seeking food, but has not see a large surge in food requests to date; however, Mortinger said that could change as people continue to be off work as a result of the coronavirus stay-at-home order.
The governor's order has been extended to to May 3.
For those who need food, the CAC is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Only one person is allowed in the lobby at one time. CAC asks families not to bring children and only send one person to pick up food. It is a good idea to call ahead. The phone number is 785-625-9110.
Mortinger said the CAC is trying to get food orders processed in 10 to 15 minutes.
