Genesis Food Pantry Preparing Christmas Boxes — Community Support Needed
- Kristina Hemel
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
COLBY, Kan. — The Thomas County Genesis Food Pantry is once again preparing its annual Christmas Boxes to help local families enjoy a warm, well-stocked holiday season — and the need is greater than ever.
Board members Jenny Hurtt, Pat Erickson, and Bev Vaughn stopped by NWKS Radio to share details on how the community can apply for assistance, donate, or volunteer.
🎁 About the Christmas Boxes
Each year, Genesis assembles hundreds of Christmas Boxes filled with food essentials and holiday items for Thomas County families in need. This year, the pantry is offering two themed boxes — a red box and a green box — reflecting different cultural traditions.
“Instead of just having a traditional English-style Christmas meal, we’re also offering a Hispanic-style box,” said Erickson. “Anyone can choose either one — red or green — on the application.”
Applications are available now and must be submitted by November 12. Distribution day will be Friday, December 6.
Applications can be found:
On the Genesis website and Facebook page
At the Colby Public Library
Or by visiting the pantry on Wednesdays (10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.) inside the Thomas County Office Complex.
🏠 How to Apply for Food Assistance
For those needing regular food support, Genesis is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone living in Thomas County can receive assistance — no income verification required. Applicants simply need:
Proof of Thomas County residency (such as a bill or letter with your address)
A photo ID
Clients drive up to the back of the Thomas County Office Complex, just east of the Extension Office. Volunteers handle the rest, bringing the food directly to the car.
Families can receive a monthly basket of canned and pantry items, plus weekly perishable goods like bread and bakery items.
💙 How to Help
Community support makes these efforts possible.
“People are busy, but anything helps — volunteering time, donating food, or making a monetary gift,” Hurtt said. “Monetary donations are especially useful because we can buy food through the Kansas Food Bank at discounted prices.”
Checks can be mailed to:
Thomas County Genesis Food Pantry
245 N. Court Avenue, Suite 13
Colby, KS 67701
The pantry also accepts donations of food items year-round, especially peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, corn, green beans, and tomatoes.
Genesis is also planning its popular Community Fill Night on Tuesday, December 3, when volunteers gather to help pack Christmas boxes before distribution. More details will be shared soon.
❤️ Meeting a Growing Need
As national food assistance programs fluctuate, the pantry continues to see more local families seeking help.
“We had 93 families just last week,” Vaughn shared. “Every week we see one or two new families. The need is everywhere.”
Despite challenges, the Genesis team remains hopeful and grateful for the community’s ongoing generosity.
“Even in tough times, there’s so much good in Thomas County,” Hurtt added. “We’re thankful for every single person who helps.”
Learn more or donate: https://sites.google.com/genesisthomascounty.org/gtc/home
Hear the full on-air interview here:
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