It Takes A Village Or Maybe Just Ulysses, Kansas

They say it takes a village to raise a child or even just to make a difference. But in Ulysses, it just takes a neighbor doing what neighbors do. And sometimes a neighbor who "knows somebody".

Thanksgiving 2025 was like many other holidays in the past - there were some families who were struggling to put food on the table, let alone have a big holiday meal. That's where their "neighbors" came in to play.

Grant County Insurance stepped up and said "we can do this".

"We have an insurance company called Buckeye Insurance - they matched everything we did," explained Grant County Insurance Office Manager Amy Hernandez and Owner/Agent Greg Newell. "This is the first year for us to do this."

The this was a fowl, but welcoming surprise - they donated not one, but 50 turkeys to the local Loaves and Fishes organization to disperse for families needing a little extra hand. And that's why Newell and Hernandez said it was important - "there were some people who needed it".

Loaves and Fishes Co-Director Nancy Young said there were 65 people fed in November. According to Young, they gave away Thanksgiving food box vouchers just for turkeys and then other food boxes that were accepted through their application process, stressing it was for "people who were in need".

And as is often seen in Ulysses, Grant County Insurance was not the only one to lend a neighborly hand. Bear Creek Coffee set up a table at their business for individuals who wished to donate food items to the local Loaves and Fishes pantry. Local churches provide volunteers to assist with running the pantry sending two to three people or however many are available to help out.

According to Young, the pantry has been operating in Ulysses since the late 1980s.

Young said the pantry is doing great since the holidays and expressed her appreciation  for the assistance and contributions they have received.

Located at 115 North Main, the pantry is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

Those in need can fill out applications they can pick up from one of the local churches or the pantry.

Grant County Insurance has been a part of the Ulysses Business community since the 1960s. Hired in 1989, Greg Newell took ownership of the business in March of 2006.