Author: Mary Rupert

Volunteer for a food pantry

Volunteer column

by Cathi Hahner

The holidays are over and there is a tendency to forget that local food pantries still need help in order to provide for those in hardship. The pantries rely heavily on the good will and hard work of volunteers.

Volunteers can help local pantries in a number of ways. They can help in the office, sort donated food items, stock shelves or help clients select items for their family.

Another way volunteers can help is to organize a food drive or collect personal care items for a pantry. Ideas for food drives include: ask party guests to bring a food staple in lieu of presents; churches, organizations and clubs could designate a meeting date to collect items; hold a workplace drive. Contributions large or small are always needed.

Remember to keep food donations simple and include easy-to-prepare items.

•             Canned meats, fruits and vegetables are always a good option.

•             Fruit juices and breakfast cereals (hot and cold) are nutritious.

•             Peanut butter, pasta, canned sauce, boxed meals like Hamburger or Tuna Helper, rice and potato dishes are always good.

•             Flour, sugar, powdered or evaporated milk, salt and pepper are staples that most kitchens can use. Low sugar and low sodium options can be used as well.

•             Contributions of baby food and canned formula are always welcome.

•             Personal care items like soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste. Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, paper towels and toilet paper are always appreciated.

Local pantries include Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (913-621-1504), Cross-Lines Community Outreach (913-281-3388), Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry (913-342-8333), Mt. Carmel Redevelopment (913-621-4111), Salivation Army Harbor Lights (913-232-5400) and Vaughn-Trent Community Services in Bonner Springs (913-441-0461). Some local churches host a food pantry on certain days. Check your church or one in your neighborhood.

For more information on how to give, advocate and volunteer, contact Cathi Hahner at 913-371-3674 or [email protected]. You can find volunteer opportunities by checking out the website, www.unitedway-wyco.org and click on Volunteer.

Cathi Hahner is director of volunteer services for United Way of Wyandotte County.

Bach named UG administrator

March 8, 2014

by Mary Rupert

Doug Bach, deputy Unified Government administrator, was named the UG’s administrator today, replacing Dennis Hays.

Bach was chosen by Mayor Mark Holland and confirmed by a 9-0 vote of the UG Commission Saturday, March 8.

Serving as deputy administrator since 2003, Bach started with the local government in 1991, when he was employed as a budget analyst.

Hays, who retired on March 6, was the only administrator the combined city and county government has had, serving since consolidation in 1997.

Bach was nominated by Mayor Mark Holland and confirmed by UG Commissioners on a 9-0 vote about 8 a.m. Saturday. The commission was holding a strategic planning session at City Hall.

The commission hired a search firm that conducted a national search, with over 100 interested candidates and 39 resumes presented, Holland said. The mayor interviewed eight candidates. Three finalists were interviewed and presented to the commission during a closed UG session.

“I said from the beginning I thought this should be a nationwide search,” Mayor Holland said, based on the quality of the candidates.

“In looking at the resumes we saw nationally and from the interviews, Doug is our clear choice today,” Holland said.

“Doug has said he looks forward to working with the commission and with myself as we continue to create the vision we share with the community,” he said.

Bach said he would like to keep improving the community, with more emphasis on neighborhoods, and also working with the goals the commission has laid out.

Commissioner Mike Kane said it would be hard to fill former Administrator Dennis Hays’ shoes, but Bach is a good selection. He cited his number of years of experience. Kane said it was important that the commission voted unanimously in favor of him.

Commissioner Jane Winkler Philbrook said, “I think he has the right background. He’s been here long enough to know the ropes, and he’s excited about moving into the leadership role. I think he’ll shine. He really cares about this community.

“He knows what we want and he’s willing to work with us,” she said.