By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
First Call for Help has a new director, a Hays native who hopes to give back to her community.
Macey Pfeifer, 27, took over as the director of First Call for Help in May, replacing long-time director Linda Mills, who recently retired.
Pfeifer is a Fort Hays State University graduate in organizational leadership. She worked for Styles Dance Centre for about 10 years, most recently as assistant director.
While at Styles, she worked with children ages 2 to 16.
There she helped organize a dance partnership with DSNWK that culminated in a combined performance that included both Styles and disabled dancers.
"Throughout high school and when I was working at Styles, I was involved in a lot of community events, and I just felt like it was super rewarding and it felt good to help other people," Pfeifer said.
During that time, she volunteered for Jana's Campaign, Relay for Life, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, Meals on Wheels and First Call for Help's Amazing Race.
The Amazing Race was put on hold during the pandemic, but Pfeifer said she would like to bring back the annual fundraiser.
She also will be looking for new grant opportunities to support First Call for Help.
First Call for Help has been providing services for people in need of housing and basic needs for 30 years.
The agency's main missions include First Step Housing, a transitional housing program for women and families; rent and utility assistance; transient assistance; Diaper Stash; Backpack for Kids; and Meals on Wheels.
First Call also offers a food/hygiene pantry. The small pantry is available to needy residents between disruptions of the other community food pantries.
Also, watch the First Call Facebook page. The agency sometimes receives surplus food from area businesses, especially in the summer, that requires no proof of income.
First Call is having a food drive starting Monday and running through June 16 to restock its food pantry. Pfeifer said the shelves are bare.
Boxes will be located at area businesses. The business that is able to collect the most food will receive a trophy.
Any non-perishable food items will be accepted. However, the following items are in most demand:
Food donations needed
• Canned or packaged meat
• Spaghetti-Os or Chef Boyardee
• Canned vegetables
• Dry milk
• Pasta or pasta sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Canned soup
• Granola or fruit breakfast bars
• Crackers, Saltines or rounds
• Ramen
• Breakfast cereal
• Applesauce or pudding snack packs
The First Step Housing program is accepting applications. Women or families who are experiencing housing insecurity, homelessness or are in threat of eviction can apply for the program.
Pfeifer said it is best to call about the program.
Applications are being taken now for Backpacks for Kids, which distributes school supplies to needy families in the late summer. Find the application form here. Applications are due July 24.
First Call for Help also is accepting school supply donations for this program.