|
|
|
Greensburg, Ks —
Following last week’s fire that destroyed the nearly 100 year old home of Cory and Tausha West residents and merchants in Kiowa County have reached out to help the family of four with contributions and support.
Help began pouring in almost immediately, as Brian and Tracy Gumpenberger offered the entire West family, including Cory, Tausha, Coby, 10 and Cohan, 3 a house on Grant Street to stay in, along with bedding and supplies while the first big storm of the winter dumped almost 5 inches of snow and freezing rain on the county.
In the days following the fire, residents took it upon themselves to begin holding fundraisers to help the family.
Deb Boyles at The Last Tangle salon donated money raised over two days to the West family. Boyles reported that they had raised almost $280 from regular customers and area residents, many who came in for quick trims just to donate $10 or $15 to help their neighbors in their time of need.
“We had fifteen people come in and get haircuts,” Boyles said. “Some people came in just to help, to get their bangs trimmed. One lady came in and got a nail fixed.
“They are all clients of mine, Cory, Tasha and the kids. Most of the West family, Kim [McMurray], Janet and Gene [West] are clients. I was on my way to Wichita on Monday and my daughter Lacey called me and told me that their house had burned down. She asked me if we could do something and I asked her what she wanted to do. She suggested that we do a couple of haircut days to help.”
Pastor Terry Mayhew of the United Methodist church decided to donate the entire Christmas eve collection to the West family and members of the community raised $5,770 while passing the basket. Mayhew reported on Tuesday morning that $435 in gift cards and a $1,000 grant from the Kansas Western Conference of United Methodist Churches was included in that total. Mayhew had applied for the grant on behalf of the family and had received it the Friday before Christmas. The church is also a drop off location for donations.
Mackie Shea’s boutique on Main Street has also been a drop off location for clothes, house wares or other items.
The Fleener’s Furniture showroom on Main Street has a jar for monetary donations and a box for larger housewares. Tammy Gray said that the West family has picked out furniture and other items and that gift certificates for their purchases are welcome. Gray also said that Fleener’s is providing the West family with items at a discounted rate.
Following last week’s fire that destroyed the nearly 100 year old home of Cory and Tausha West residents and merchants in Kiowa County have reached out to help the family of four with contributions and support.
Help began pouring in almost immediately, as Brian and Tracy Gumpenberger offered the entire West family, including Cory, Tausha, Coby, 10 and Cohan, 3 a house on Grant Street to stay in, along with bedding and supplies while the first big storm of the winter dumped almost 5 inches of snow and freezing rain on the county.
In the days following the fire, residents took it upon themselves to begin holding fundraisers to help the family.
Deb Boyles at The Last Tangle salon donated money raised over two days to the West family. Boyles reported that they had raised almost $280 from regular customers and area residents, many who came in for quick trims just to donate $10 or $15 to help their neighbors in their time of need.
“We had fifteen people come in and get haircuts,” Boyles said. “Some people came in just to help, to get their bangs trimmed. One lady came in and got a nail fixed.
“They are all clients of mine, Cory, Tasha and the kids. Most of the West family, Kim [McMurray], Janet and Gene [West] are clients. I was on my way to Wichita on Monday and my daughter Lacey called me and told me that their house had burned down. She asked me if we could do something and I asked her what she wanted to do. She suggested that we do a couple of haircut days to help.”
Pastor Terry Mayhew of the United Methodist church decided to donate the entire Christmas eve collection to the West family and members of the community raised $5,770 while passing the basket. Mayhew reported on Tuesday morning that $435 in gift cards and a $1,000 grant from the Kansas Western Conference of United Methodist Churches was included in that total. Mayhew had applied for the grant on behalf of the family and had received it the Friday before Christmas. The church is also a drop off location for donations.
Mackie Shea’s boutique on Main Street has also been a drop off location for clothes, house wares or other items.
The Fleener’s Furniture showroom on Main Street has a jar for monetary donations and a box for larger housewares. Tammy Gray said that the West family has picked out furniture and other items and that gift certificates for their purchases are welcome. Gray also said that Fleener’s is providing the West family with items at a discounted rate.
Ed Schoenberger has graciously donated an original 1979 Kiowa County History book that is being auctioned off at the Greensburg branch of the Kiowa County Library. Bids can be placed until Jan. 6 at 2 p.m.
“Oh, I’ve known Corey since he was a little kid,” said Schoenberger, who very succinctly explained the donation. “How can anyone not like Cory?”
Haley Kern has begun organizing a benefit concert that will be held at the Community Building in Greensburg on Jan. 14 featuring local musicians Retroactive and others.
“The Emergency Management office has donated the use of the building for us, “ said Kern. “It will be free will donation and all of the money will go to the West family.”
The People’s Bank and Centera Bank have both opened accounts to receive donations.
“People have really come out to help Cory and our family,” said Janet West, Cory’s mother. “If there was ever a community that knew what it was like to lose everything, it’s ours. Cory and Tausha are in awe of the response and generosity.”
editor@kiowacountysignal.com
