Community helps fair stand raise $9,000 for locals in need

The popular food stand at the Phillips County Fair, which has traditionally been run as a First United Methodist Church project, has successfully transitioned to a community, countywide endeavor. Food stand representative Ellie Beal, pictured at right, meets with local agencies Friday, Aug. 23, to celebrate the $9,000 raised by the stand at the July fair. Pictured from left are Pastor Gary Rahe with the Zion Lutheran Church food bank, Donna Lutze with the Methodist church food bank and Ann McConnell with the local Salvation Army unit. The two food banks, as well as the Haxtun Community Food Bank, each received $2,500. Holyoke’s transient fund, coordinated by the Salvation Army, and Haxtun’s transient fund, coordinated by Haxtun Police Department, both received $750. Beal said approximately 80 individuals volunteered at the food stand this year, including groups like CHS, First Christian Church, Haxtun Police Department, Tammy Kroeger and friends, FCCLA and First United Methodist Church of Holyoke. Anyone wishing to get involved in the behind-the-scenes planning process for next year’s stand should call Beal at 970-466-0483.