ShawneeDispatch.com

Evelyn VanKemseke couldn't believe it last week when she opened an envelope to find a check for $25,000 for Shawnee Community Services.

The fact that she had absolutely no idea it was coming, and that it came from a well-known charitable foundation only added to the surprise. When she saw the check, the first thing that came to mind was how many people it would help with emergency assistance funding.

"I thought of the people I've had to say no to recently," VanKemseke said. "For the last six weeks, I've had to say 'no' and give a referral to another organization."

The check was from the Contributions Committee of the William T. Kemper Foundation, part of its Emergency Assistance Initiative for the metropolitan areas of Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo.

The initiative attempts to address social service agencies' increased requests for assistance in today's changing economic conditions.

Shawnee Community Services, a food pantry and thrift store that also provides several social services to those in need, was in just such a situation. VanKemseke, founder and director of the organization, estimated it used to get 260 calls a month for emergency assistance. Since gasoline prices started rising, and other costs along with them, she says the number of calls has doubled.

"In six weeks I've spent $5,000, and that meant I still had a month and a half to go with none, because I've spent the allotment in that short of a time," she said.

This is why the initiative wanted to help.

"Our goal is to help as many individuals as possible, to prevent more people from becoming homeless and to improve the quality of life for those who are," stated the letter sent with the check. "Because of your experience in assisting individuals and your reputation for fiscal accountability, we are asking for your help in reaching those in need."

Shawnee Community Services may use the funds for emergency assistance to pay rent, utility, transportation, automotive repair, food, medical service and prescription bills. The organization will have to submit a detailed accounting of the use of the funds by Sept. 1, 2009.

VanKemseke said on top of the assistance grant being unsolicited, she was surprised the Kemper Foundation knew about Shawnee Community Services. The only connection she could think of was in about 2003, when the foundation recognized community leaders and gave them $10,000 checks to pass on to a charitable organization of their choosing.

Gene and Margaret Amos of Shawnee were among those recognized, and they chose to give their check to Shawnee Community Services. VanKemseke said the man who handed her that check five years ago, Samuel Bennett, was the same man who delivered the check last week.

"You think there has to be some way they knew something, or else, how could it happen?" VanKemseke said.

VanKemseke said the funds also will help the organization buy needed staples for the food pantry, and it will likely ease her operations as the organization moves forward with its plan to temporarily relocate while it builds a new building. She said she looks forward to talking to those who she previously had to turn down.

"When they call me back and say 'I'm desperate again,' I'll be able to give them something," she said. "I've already written eight checks today. It's so rewarding to be able to say, 'We will help.'"