Plans are under way for The Good Neighbor Blitz in Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kan. -- The sound of hammers and the smell of fresh paint will fill the air in Fort Scott for one week this summer as hopefully hundreds of volunteers go to work improving area residences.

The Good Neighbor Blitz, coordinated by Treva Williams, Director of Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church, is an effort to coordinate churches, youth groups, organizations, businesses and individuals in impacting the community through a mission blitz right here in Fort Scott from July 21 to 25.

"Every summer we take a group of youth on a mission trip," Williams said.

"Then I heard a speaker that really challenged me to help people in our community."

The Good Neighbor Blitz is distributing project request forms meant for individuals and families who need assistance in projects such as yard work, painting and home repair.

To complete the work, Williams is inviting area churches, organizations, businesses and individuals to step up and be good neighbors.

"Times are hard right now and families are finding it difficult to put food on the table let alone fix their homes," Williams said. "I'm hoping we can help as many people as possible in a week. I envision it to be a week of different people of economic backgrounds coming together, recognizing needs and meeting those needs." Williams finds inspiration for the blitz through a book she is reading, "The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time" by Tom Sine.

In the book, Sine states, "For followers of Jesus, times of challenge are always times of opportunity to give new creative expression to God's love for a people and a world." "I guess this work week is our attempt to creatively express God's love for the people of Fort Scott," Williams said.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to fill out a volunteer form and donate $50 to the week. The donation goes toward the work projects and keeps volunteers committed to the week. Adults with any type of construction experience should list on the application if they are willing to be a team leader.

First Presbyterian has taken its youth group to mission trips to New Orleans, Colorado, Kentucky, and Mexico in the past.

"Each year we have to raise anywhere between $250 and $300 per kid to go on a mission trip," Williams said. "My kids have always contributed money out of their own pockets." While the price to participate in the local mission blitz is less, Williams hopes the impact is just as great.

"Lots of times we associate need and poverty with people who are outside our community and tend to ignore those who live next door to us," Williams said. "I hope we can begin to realize that we have people right here working beside us, living beside us and going to school with our children who need our help." Williams' youth group will be fundraising to help fund the mission blitz, but they are open to any financial or in-kind donations from the community.

First Presbyterian will supply meals to the volunteers during the week. In addition, all high school age youth will be staying at the church during the blitz to participate in evening educational programs on poverty.

The Good Neighbor Blitz has already stretched beyond Fort Scott borders.

Williams has made contact with churches outside of Fort Scott looking for mission projects that have committed to participating in Fort Scott's blitz.

The invitation is open to anyone who wants to help. Williams believes the benefits of this project could be endless.

"I'm hoping it will be the beginning of many great things here in Fort Scott," Williams said. "I hope it shows that different denominations, businesses and individuals can work together to accomplish a lot of wonderful things."

Project request and volunteer forms can be found at First Presbyterian Church, The Good Shepard, The Beacon, Woods, IGA, The Fort Scott Tribune and area churches. Applications should be returned to The First Presbyterian Church, attn: Treva Williams, 308 S. Crawford, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Deadline for forms is April 13 so projects and teams can be set, but the church will accept late applications.

For more information, to volunteer, or to donate financial or in-kind resources, contact Williams at (620) 223-3180 or (620) 223-5134 or e-mail her at treva_williams_7@hotmail.com. Information also can be found on the Neighborhood Revitalization action team Web site, http://nrfortscott.webs.

com.