Chamber Coffee Recap: Care Cupboard’s Growing Community Impact

At our recent Chamber Coffee, attendees heard from Aquila and David Winchell about the essential work of Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry—an initiative housed at First Baptist Church in Parsons that provides free hygiene products to local families.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid Expansion: Since opening in August 2021 (serving 21 families in its first month), Care Cupboard served 325 families last month alone. To keep pace, their annual budget has grown from $7,000 to over $85,000.

• Exceptional Efficiency: Powered by over 125 volunteers throughout the year, 97% of all funds go directly to purchasing hygiene products. Overhead costs are kept to strict essentials like paper and postage.

• Stretching Every Dollar: While physical product donations are always welcome, financial gifts allow the team to buy wholesale and leverage local bulk pricing.

Advocacy and Fall Planning

With November historically marking Care Cupboard's highest-demand month of the year, preparations are already underway to ensure supplies remain stocked.

Beyond immediate assistance, Care Cupboard is actively participating in broader advocacy work—collaborating with state legislators to support legislation making feminine hygiene products tax-free in Kansas, helping eliminate barriers to basic essential health items.

How You Can Support: Upcoming "Friend-Raiser" Event

To sustain their growing operations and expand their reaching power, Care Cupboard is seeking long-term partners through monthly or annual recurring gifts.

• Event: Care Cupboard "Friend-Raiser" Dinner & Presentation
• Date: Saturday Evening, August 22nd
• Location: First Baptist Church, Parsons, KS
• Details: Enjoy a light meal while hearing organizational updates, community impact numbers, and client testimonials.

Whether through volunteer service, event attendance, or recurring sponsorship, our business community has a meaningful opportunity to support a program making a tangible difference every day in Parsons.

For questions or to learn how your business can participate in supporting Care Cupboard, reach out to the Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce or contact First Baptist Church directly.