McPherson community fundraises for affected families after two killed

Read live coverage here. Fundraisers can be found at the bottom of this article.

Businesses in McPherson, Wichita, and Salina began organizing fundraisers, gift cards, and care baskets for affected families after a pickup truck killed two McPherson residents and injured 11 others at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Feather and Forage Collection owner Lacey Johnson said the business is focusing on two McPherson families while protecting their privacy.

“As a mom, my heart absolutely breaks for everyone affected by this tragedy,” Johnson said. “I felt I needed to do something, even if it was small. Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can make a difference.”

Feather and Forage is collecting restaurant, grocery, and gas gift cards, individually packaged snacks, drinks, and care-basket items. Johnson said gift cards allow families to choose what best meets their needs. Donors can arrange donations by contacting her directly.

“We don’t have a set timeline,” Johnson said. “We’re taking things one step at a time and offering support where it’s needed and welcomed.”

The Locker Room Nutrition and Energy will hold a fundraiser Oct. 19-24 featuring raffle baskets, monetary donations, donated products, gift cards, and services. Owner Katie Schafer said 100% of donations and raffle proceeds will support the families. The business will also donate 30% of sales, plus all cash and card tips, during the fundraiser.

“This isn’t about recognition, publicity, or how much money we can raise,” Schafer said. “It’s about surrounding these families with love and support without expecting anything in return.”

Meddys owner Alex Harb said the restaurant will donate at least 20% of sales from its Wichita and Salina locations through Sunday, Oct. 25. Meddys is working with Kingdom Athletic Mission to distribute assistance and hopes to raise more than $100,000.

“We’re not strangers in this community; that’s what it's all about: being there for each other,” Harb said.

Other participating businesses include Pizza Ranch, Mama J’s Sweet Rolls and Boba Pearls, Treasure Chest Gun Shop, Shape N It Up Nutrition in Wichita, The Ridge Nutrition in Wichita, and McPherson Dairy Queen. McPherson Movers LLC and Tim Cheatham Construction each contributed $500.

Johnson emphasized that community support should not create pressure for grieving families.

“Right now, the most important thing is giving these families the privacy and space they deserve while letting them know their community cares,” Johnson said.

Fundraisers:

Monday:

• Christina Whitmer will be hosting a yard sale with new & gently used items at 510 N. Hartup from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 19. Donations are welcome. All proceeds will go to the families affected.
• During the McPherson Bullpups' boys soccer game on Oct. 19, all gate proceeds and donations will benefit a fund established to benefit families affected.

Wednesday:

• Mama J’s Sweet Rolls and Boba Pearls will host a pop-up this Wednesday at Tractor Supply in McPherson from 5 PM–8 PM, with 100% of all sales and tips going directly to those affected.

Saturday:

• The Haunting at Black Creek will donate $5 for every ticket sold on Saturday, Oct. 24.
• Craft Coffee Parlor will donate all revenue on Saturday, Oct. 24, directly to families affected.
• Amy's Sweet & Savory will donate 30% of sales during their reopening on Saturday, Oct. 24, to families affected.

All Week:

• Donate directly: The McPherson County Community Foundation is accepting online donations for the affected families.
• The Citizens State Bank is collecting cash and check donations at its three McPherson locations — 223 N. Main St., 1300 N. Main St. and 104 S. Centennial Drive — until further notice. Checks should be made out to the McPherson County Community Foundation with “Soccer” in the memo line.
• Shape It Up Nutrition in Wichita will donate 20% of sales to the McPherson Foundation between Oct. 19-25. 
• McPherson Dairy Queen will donate 10% of sales between Oct. 18-24.
• The Ridge Nutrition in Wichita will donate 20% of sales to families who were affected between Oct. 19-25.
• The Locker Room Nutrition & Energy will donate 30% of sales and all tips to affected families between Oct. 19-25.
• Meddys will donate 20% of all revenue between Oct. 18-24 and is raising funds on GoFundMe for affected families.
• FiredUp Bar in Wichita will donate 10% of all proceeds to families affected until Nov. 15, with the owner of the bar matching an additional 10%.
• All-American Fishing Tours is holding a raffle for a guided fishing trip in the Milford Reservior, with proceeds benefiting those affected.
• TallGrass Turf Solutions will donate 10% of proceeds during the coming Christmas lights installation season to families affected.
• Level Up Nutrition in Hillsboro and Next Level Nutrition in Marion will be donating 20% of all sales and all tips to families affected between Oct. 19-25.
• Sunflower Tire & Auto in Newton will donate 10% of revenue from each oil change to families affected until Dec. 1.
• Treasure Chest Gun Shop & Indoor Range will donate 10% of revenue to affected families from Oct. 20-31.
• Maple Street Barbershop will donate all tips to families affected between Oct. 19-25.
• Mac Wrestling Club is hosting a fundraiser on GoFundMe.

If you’re hosting a fundraiser and would like to be included on this list, email us at feedback@citizenjournal.us.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us