VIDEO: Topeka firefighters had a special assignment Friday, helping the community reach out to help people in need. The Topeka Fire Department did their version of passing the hat alongside inclusive communities and collected cash donations on the city streets. All these efforts are going to United Way to restock Shawnee County food banks.
Topeka Fire Chief Chad Longstaff and his crews hit the streets Nov. 14, 2025. Because while snap benefits may be back but food insecurity remains a real issue. “We can’t ignore the fact that many of our food pantries if not all of them, were already in dire straits of needing additional support and food support,” said Jessica Lehnheer, CEO of United Way. “Especially for their families so we know that while those benefits might be back in place, the need is still there.”
Firefighters held their helmets out at five intersections around town, collecting donations for the city’s ‘Oh SNAP’ fundraising campaign. It started as a way to support families while SNAP benefits were delayed in early November. Money raised now will go to 25 local food pantries that saw huge demand as families struggled to make ends meet.
“It’s been a difficult time before the shutdown,” said community navigator with the city’s Office of Inclusive Communities. “Continuing afterwards, we just wanna be there and support them.” “We need to refill those banks to continue the operations for the citizens of Topeka that need it,” said Chief Chad Longstaff, Topeka Fire Department.
As much as food banks appreciate non-perishable donations, driving cash gifts makes a greater impact. “They can get food for a much lower cost,” Lehnheer said. “So, giving them donations, they can buy much more food than what you and I can to donate.”
