Lighthouse for Christ has planned a Pantry Pickup event for families in Clay County to help those who are without SNAP benefits for the month of November.
Families who would like to receive groceries should sign up by November 7th via an online form. For households with five or fewer people, one brown bag of grocery items will be provided, while households with six or more members will receive two.
Bags will include shelf-stable foods like breakfast items, canned goods, peanut butter, pasta, seasoning, plus one pound of ground beef, a half gallon of milk, bread, and eggs.
“We really felt like we could do something and we probably should do something,” said Lighthouse Director, Abby Sprague. “We know that for a lot of our referrals, it’s hard to get to us during working hours so we planned it for the evening.”
Those who sign up to receive pantry items can pick up November 21st between 4-6:30 pm.
Sprague said a photo ID is required with pickup and the name must match the sign up form.
As of November 3rd, SNAP benefits have not been funded. Short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 93,000 households for 188,000 Kansans are enrolled in the program.
Sprague said Pantry Pickup will take place, even if SNAP is backfunded.
As of Monday morning, 35 families have enrolled in the program.
“The community’s support has been absolutely incredible,” Sprague said. “Once we put out the call for help, things just started pouring in. We saw so many new faces dropping off food and bringing cash and check donations. “
To donate, food items can be dropped off at the Lighthouse Mondays from 12 PM to 3 PM and on Thursdays from 12 PM to 5 PM. Outside of those hours, donors can call or text 785-317-0799 to drop off at the alley side door of Yellow Brick Realty at 721 4th Street in Clay Center.
Christmas Sharing
This year the Lighthouse’s Christmas Sharing program will continue for Clay County. Starting November 7th, anyone in need can apply for a holiday certificate that’s redeemable at local businesses. Applications are available online through the Lighthouse website.
“Anyone is eligible,” Sprague said. “Anyone in need or needing an extra boost during the Christmas season.”
Everyone in the household receives an equal certificate, which can be redeemed at participating businesses in the county. Clay Center Public Utilities also partners with the program, allowing customers to use their certificates for water, electricity, and heat.
“A lot of them, keeping their lights on is the most important thing,” she said, adding that Public Utilities was the second-highest vendor last year, behind Dollar General.
Dollar amounts for each certificate range by the amount that is raised and have ranged between $19 and $33.
In 2024, Sprague said Christmas Sharing was utilized by 129 families, for a total of 469 certificates, which was up from 2023.
Monetary donations for the program can be given in person, online, or mailed to PO Box 231 Lighthouse for Christ Clay Center, KS 67432.
