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Lyon County, Kansas

BOATLOAD OF HELP

From left: Tony Clausen, 8, Steve Clausen, 6 1/2, Nicole Clausen, 3, Pastor Rob Clausen, Barbara Weaver, and Theresa Hinchy stand next to a "boatload" of diapers the congregation at First Baptist Church will be donating to the Salvation Army. Weaver and Hinchy had the idea to collect diapers to help those affected by the Tyson layoffs.

On Wednesday, a group of First Baptist Church members will haul a literal boatload of diapers to the Salvation Army storage building.

The project evolved after members decided they wanted to do something to help the Salvation Army provide necessities for displaced Tyson workers and other needy residents in the area.

“The deacons were trying to figure out some way they could help with (Tyson),” said Barbara Weaver, who spearheaded the diaper drive with co-chairman Theresa Hinchy. “In the course of that conversation, we thought of diapers.”

Hinchy and Weaver met with Salvation Army Capt. Jeremiah Burris and got approval from him to begin the project, which was met with enthusiasm by church members.

Someone wished the church would be able to gather a “boatload of diapers” and before long, church member Tom Forbes made half of that wish come true.

“So the boat shows up on Sunday morning,” said the Rev. Rob Clausen, referring to the extra-long canoe that Forbes brought to the church.

The goal eventually had been set at 3,000 diapers.

“People got excited; people really liked it,” Weaver said.

The “boat” was moved into the library adjacent to the sanctuary for members to fill. And fill they did.

“Oh, me of little faith,” Weaver said. “I thought 1,500 was too many” to reach as a goal.

Now the boat holds about 3,500 diapers, and more are still coming in.

“Valerie has some in her trunk,” Clausen reminded Weaver and Hinchy.

Late last week, Weaver and Hinchy were planning to gather fifth- and sixth-graders to help move the diaper packages from the church to vehicles and on to the Salvation Army storage area on Wednesday.

“Diapers are something they can always use,” Weaver said.
(Emporia Gazette ~ Tuesday ~ 25 March 2008)