MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A bingo card and an afternoon of friendly competition could help a Kansas veteran meet an immediate need — or help move a planned veterans housing community closer to construction.
KS4Vets is bringing those goals together with “Red, White, and Bingo” on Saturday at the Hutchinson Moose Lodge, near First Avenue and Lorraine Street.
Doors open at 11 a.m., with bingo beginning at 1 p.m. The lodge will serve burgers, fries and other food.
For C.J. Jeffers, the organization’s treasurer, the event is an opportunity to bring families together while supporting veterans.
“Bring the kids out, have some fun, and play some bingo and help some local veterans,” Jeffers said during an interview on the BW Morning Show.
Admission is $20 and includes every bingo game. Players also can purchase $5 wild cards to use during a game featuring a prize they particularly want to win.
Among the donated prizes are a fly-fishing experience that includes instruction, a veterans banner package and baskets featuring items such as jelly and plants.
The games support an organization whose work often begins with a simple question: What does a veteran need, and who can help?
KS4Vets offers financial assistance of up to $300 once a year to veterans anywhere in Kansas. Jeffers said applicants generally need proof of military service and information about their need.
But the organization’s assistance extends beyond its cash fund. It helps connect veterans with resources through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other organizations. It also helps veterans find transportation to and from VA appointments.
“We’re just kind of a one-stop place,” Jeffers said.
That approach includes finding other providers when KS4Vets cannot directly meet a request.
“Normally, we can find assistance for a veteran,” he said.
One of the group’s largest undertakings is Patriots Village, a proposed housing community in South Hutchinson intended to help veterans experiencing homelessness.
Jeffers said the organization has land, an engineering study and support from South Hutchinson. Fundraising is helping it take the next steps.
The Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Veterans Committee recently held its third annual golf tournament. While final figures were still pending at the time of the interview, Jeffers said organizers estimated the event would provide about $16,000 for Patriots Village.
An individual also donated $1,000.
Jeffers said that money will help the organization promote the project and build broader community support. As construction approaches, the group hopes people in the building trades will contribute materials and labor.
Plans call for a community building and eight duplexes, developed in stages as funding allows. Jeffers said the current approach would begin with the community building, followed by two duplexes, with additional duplexes added two at a time.
The community building would provide space for veterans groups to meet, residents to gather and counseling sessions to take place. Jeffers did not announce a construction start date.
While the village remains a longer-term goal, KS4Vets already offers veterans a regular opportunity to connect.
The organization meets at lunchtime on the second Friday of each month at the Friends Church on East 14th Avenue, between Hutchinson High School and Severance Street. Lunch is provided.
Jeffers encouraged anyone with questions about the organization or its services to attend.
The group also is preparing for its December Wreaths Across America ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery west of Hutchinson.
Jeffers said the cemetery has more than 1,500 veterans’ graves. Last year, volunteers placed a little more than 500 wreaths, leaving the organization with a goal of expanding participation and honoring more veterans.
Community members can help by sponsoring wreaths or volunteering to place them.
Whether the effort involves a bingo fundraiser, a lunch gathering or a future home, Jeffers said the organization wants veterans and their families to know help is available.
Information about assistance, donations and upcoming activities is available at ks4vets.org.