By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It was the week before Thanksgiving—time to sort.

Six Tallgrass Creek residents and three staff members spent hours organizing boxes and bags of food donations. As a result, more than 70 families in the Blue Valley School District, where Tallgrass Creek is located, would receive food for Thanksgiving dinner.

"In a very small way, this is something I can do to help someone who needs it," says Dorcas Doering, who was among the residents volunteering.

Helping others is part of her Christian faith, Doering says. This year, she adds, the call to be of service is even greater.

The need throughout Johnson County has increased significantly, according to Nan Frink, community social service team manager with Blue Valley Multi-Service Center. Of the Johnson County families who have asked for help, 48% have never needed assistance before, Frink says.

"We believe in the value that our residents possess," says Ralph Testerman, pastoral ministries coordinator and volunteer coordinator at Tallgrass Creek. "Our mission states, ‘We share our gifts to create a community that celebrates life.’ Most of our residents are at a place where their needs are met, but they are not content with just being comfortable. They want their resources, financial and physical, to go toward helping others.