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Fundraiser aims to help community center
HAMMOND -- An effort to raise money for a long-standing community building is in the works.
The Hammond Community Center Board of Directors will hold a spaghetti feed fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 16, for the facility, which organizers say needs donations for upkeep and repairs.
Angela Christy, board secretary and treasurer, said the main goal is to raise enough money to repaint the building's exterior and put some aside for future needs.
"Last year, the septic system was replaced. We had a couple of fundraisers last year for that," she said. "There's also regular maintenance and upkeep issues. It's a community effort to raise the funds."
Due to funding cuts and increasing expenses, the board needs to raise as much money as possible to pay bills related to the building.
"With budget cuts, we're turning to the community for more help and support," said Brenda Hill, one of the community leaders of the Northeast Scott 4-H Club, which frequently uses the center.
Christy, who lives near Hammond, said the facility is a vital part of the community and the only one left in the Osage Township part of Bourbon County. The structure has been serving the Hammond area since the Hammond School closed about 30 years ago.
When the school was torn down, the community building replaced it, Christy said.
"There's not many community centers around these days," she said. "We definitely want to keep ours around in this part of the county."
The Hammond Community Center is mainly used now -- for free -- by the Northeast Scott 4-H Club for special events, ceremonies and monthly club and project meetings. The club holds about 20 events there each year, Christy said.
"It's super important to 4-Hers," she said.
Hill said the building is used for various events such as arts and crafts meetings, birthday celebrations and a community soup supper hosted by the club each December. The group also holds a clean-up day each spring in which club members clean the building and complete touch-up work.
"The center lets 4-Hers use it when needed," she said. "It's used for a lot of things."
Hill said the club has about 60 members this year.
Hammond Community Center is located in Hammond about six miles north of Fort Scott. To get there, take U.S. Highway 69 north, take the Soldier Road exit and turn east on Soldier Road. Drive east about .8 miles and the facility is located on the north side of the road.
Spaghetti, bread, desserts and drinks will be served at the fundraiser. Organizers will also accept free-will donations and Christy said carry-out meals will be available.
Those who are unable to attend the event, but who would like to make a contribution may send a check to Angela Christy at 2139 Quail Road, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701.
For more information, contact Christy at (620) 644-8785, or by email at angelacchristy@yahoo.com.