By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
"I think it's something that society will always need."
That's the belief of Cathy Van Doren, a longtime volunteer and board member for the Community Assistance Center in Hays, which celebrated its 40th anniversary Monday.
She and some of the other 35 or so volunteers and board members were on hand for a ribbon cutting and brick presentation with The Chamber in Hays and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.
Theresa Hill has been the center executive director for nearly 30 years.
"I'm now seeing the fourth generation in families being served," said Hill.
Other clients are new to the center, citing their need due to inflation and in particular, the high cost of groceries.
"Everything's so expensive now. You spend $100 at the grocery store, now it's $200
Hill's mother, Esther Taggart, a social worker through the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, started the organization in 1984 with the help of community volunteer Irene Boone. Clara Walters was the first executive director and served 10 years until her retirement.
Taggart saw the need for Christmas presents for the children of families she worked with through her job.
"Then she saw they needed more help," said Hill.
The program expanded to include donated clothing, a food pantry, household goods, and even furniture.
There are four major drives for non-perishable foods each year sponsored by Hays High School DECA, Ellis County Emergency Medical Services, the Hays mail carriers, and HaysMed.
Other food drive are intermittent, often used as an admission fee to events.
Clients must be Ellis County residents and adhere to state income guidelines.
There is no cost to those who utilize the Community Assistance Center.
"They can shop for clothes once a month and for food six times a year," Hill said.
Special food boxes are also available during the holidays for Christmas dinners.
"Last year we had 254 Christmas box requests. One year we had 400."
Monetary donations are also welcomed and used to purchase perishable foods such as meat and milk which are stored in the center's refrigerators.
Patty Rupp, assistant director, said there are people who have given donations to the Community Assistance Center since it opened.
With temperatures reading the 90s for several days, a donor was scheduled to bring numerous window air conditioners Monday for clients who live in mobile homes.
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Public garage sales are held 8-11 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month as a fundraiser.
"We have regulars who travel from as far as Plainville and Stockton to shop with us," Rupp said. "It's a mad house in here."
The Community Assistance Center is funded entirely by donations. It receives no state, federal, or local financial support.
Julie Ryder, DHDC executive director, presented Hill and Rupp with a red engraved brick to commemorate the center's 40th anniversary.
"We present these to businesses as a symbol of the unique connection we have as a downtown community," Ryder said.
"The other symbolism of the bricks is that when bricks are put together in close connection they create something very strong and stable. In much the same way, we all make each other stronger by working together and I think that this organization exemplifies in the way that the community makes the donations and with your volunteers and board members all working together, makes 40 years of success," Ryder said.
The Community Assistance Center served about 3,000 Ellis County residents last year.
More information is available by calling the center at 785-625-9110.