Pam Bilyeu hands over the reins of Help House to Scott Perkins, who has been named as Help House’s new director.

Scott Perkins has become the new director of the Help House Inc. Perkins follows Pam Bilyeu, who faithfully served in that position for the past six and a half years.

Perkins is pastor of Heritage Country Cowboy Church, and is also known as The Country Parson, currently heard on Sunday mornings on The Bull, 92.9. Perkins will lead the Help House ministry that has been effective in serving the Osage county population for nearly 20 years.

New website

Help House has a new website www.helphouse.online. You will find a lot of new content there – the ability to email us for an appointment time and eventually be able to set an appointment, fill out an application for assistance, to become a volunteer or make a cash donation. So check out the new site and let us know what you think and share your suggestions for any additional information you would like to see or other suggestions.

Volunteers needed

Help House is looking for new volunteers. If you have been thinking that you would like to be a part of the Help House family and would like more information, please give us a call.

Thanksgiving baskets

Help House will be distributing 94 Thanksgiving food baskets this year, with each receiving either a chicken or turkey determined by family size, along with all the makings of a full Thanksgiving dinner.

Fill the kettles

It is almost time for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Volunteers will place the small counter kettles in businesses county wide beginning Nov. 21 through Dec. 26. When you drop your donations in them this season, remember that 86 cents of every dollar stays in Osage County. The funds given to Salvation Army are distributed through Help House to families and individuals  in Osage County for various needs and assistance –  please give as generously as you can.

Christmas shop

Christmas shopping at Help House will begin Saturday, Dec. 12. This will be for children to come in and shop for their parents or guardians. Santa’s elves will assist them in making their selections and then their gifts will be wrapped for them before they leave.

Parents or guardians may shop Dec. 15 through Dec. 17 and grandparents will be able to shop Dec. 21 through Dec. 22.  Due to COVID-19 and the restrictions we are all living with, everyone must have an appointment, whether it is to shop for food or to shop for clothing or Christmas. You must call in or go to the website and email us.

Lions Club provides the rides

We will also have bikes to give out this year as well donated by the Lyndon Lions Club. There will be two small bikes, two medium size bikes, and two larger bikes – one of each size for boys and girls. These will be given out as a drawing, so everyone is encouraged to register for this while in Help House.

Your online shopping can help Help House

Speaking of Christmas shopping or any other shopping that you might do on Amazon, if you go to www.smile.amazon.com and shop through that link you may choose the charity of your choice to have a donation made with your purchase. Amazon does not charge you extra for this, they simply make the donation. If you put in Help House, Lyndon, KS, the donations will be sent direct to Help House, making it just another way of sharing with others.

COVID-19 operations

With the restrictions and safety protocols we are following to keep everyone who seeks our services and all of our wonderful volunteers safe, we are still limiting the number of individuals allowed in the building at one time, taking temperatures of everyone before they enter the building, and wearing gloves and masks, which are provided if you do not have your own, are mandatory. We understand that having to make appointments to shop and even to make donations is not ideal. The donations we take in are limited as they remain in quarantine for a week before the volunteers sort through them. We appreciate your help and understanding as we hope and pray the end of all of this comes sooner than later.

United Way of the Flint Hills

We would like to ask that when you have the opportunity, that you give to support United Way of the Flint Hills. They are a big supporter of Help House through grants, our food pantry, and utility assistant funds.

For more information or to make an appointment for any reason, call Help House at 785-828-4888 or visit the new website at www.helphouse.online.  Regular hours are 4-7 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Help House is at 131 W. 15th St., Lyndon, Kan.

Information and photo thanks to Raylene Quaney, Help House.