Hunt 4 Hunger organization plans visit here

Hunt 4 Hunger, an Emporia-based nonprofit organization made up of hunters and outdoorsmen is looking to expand throughout the Midwest and will be coming to town this week.

Members of the organization, which was formed in 2007 and helps the needy in local communities, will conduct an introductory meeting at 7 p.m. Friday at the Elks Lodge, 111 W. 19th St. The organization strives to educate others on the importance of hunting safety and conservation while providing enjoyable activities that ultimately provide benefits to local communities, according to its website.

The purpose of the meeting, which is open to the public, is to introduce the group to the community and give those attending a chance to learn what they are about, organization President Chuck Gardner said.

"We'll talk about what we do and who we are -- hunters helping those in need," he said.

Gardner said the hope is to get contacts established in Fort Scott who could start a local chapter of the organization.

"We're trying to get the community involved in what we're doing," he said. "Once a chapter is established, we can help guide them in what we're doing."

The organization began when a small group of friends who shared a love of hunting and the outdoors came up with a way to use their passion to help those in need. Based on the idea that hunters can make a difference in their communities, the organization was established, its website said.

"We want to change the way, hopefully, that people look at hunting," Gardner said.

The organization helps those in need through outdoor activities that promote hunting, safety, conservation and freezers open to the public for meat donations, the site said.

"We're trying to get hunters and outdoorsmen to unite," Gardner said. "They can take the meat they don't want, and this allows them a place to drop that meat off. Hunters can discreetly drop off things and give back to the community."

As with other towns the group has a presence in, Fort Scott will get two to three freezers for meat donations.

"We learned in Emporia and now we're taking it to other places," Gardner said. "There is nothing like this anywhere in the country."

The organization also offers annual activities such as: clean out your freezer weekend, annual sporting events and community service that promotes youth and families.

Hunt 4 Hunger never charges youth 15 years of age and younger for any event associated with the group.

The group also encourages fundraisers, the proceeds of which go to community charities and also accepts non-perishable food items donated to local food banks, Gardner said.

"We're trying to put money back in the community," he said.

In recent years, Gardner said he has seen more hunters donate their harvest to those in need.

"At some point in time, every hunter has given to their neighbor," he said. "I think they are donating. Those who don't have an outlet now have a place to drop it off and it will go to someone in need."

Since its inception, the organization has donated about 30,000 pounds of meat, more than 3,000 canned goods, $2,500 to Kansas hunters feeding the hungry and more than $16,000 to local charities and educational scholarships.

For more information, visit www.hunt4hunger.net.