By ELLE HUTCHINSON
Barton County Media Consultant
The Barton County Commission recognized the work of Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation during this week’s meeting, honoring the organization’s decades-long commitment to supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
Commissioners adopted Proclamation 2026-11, declaring September 2026 as Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation Month in Barton County. The recognition coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and highlights the important role Kans for Kids continues to play throughout central Kansas.
Kans for Kids began in 1994 when aluminum cans were collected to help with medical expenses for a young child battling cancer. What started as a local act of kindness later grew into a nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing emotional and financial support to children living with cancer and their families.
Today, Kans for Kids serves families in Barton, Ellsworth, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, Russell, and Stafford Counties. Since its beginning, the Foundation has assisted 48 children and continues to remind families that they do not have to face childhood cancer alone.
During the meeting, Kans for Kids Director Mary Dutton shared updates on the Foundation’s work, including current fundraising efforts, upcoming events, and continued improvements to the aluminum can collection trailers located throughout Barton County. Dutton also thanked Barton County for support through the Local Recycling Grant Program, which helped provide new signage for the trailers.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the Foundation, its board members, volunteers, supporters, and the many people who have helped carry the mission forward over the years. Special recognition was also shared for the long-standing dedication of Duane and Debbie Reif, whose continued service has helped Kans for Kids grow and support families across the region.
The proclamation encourages citizens to honor childhood cancer patients, survivors, families, caregivers, and the children whose lives have been lost to the disease. It also encourages residents to support Kans for Kids through donations of aluminum cans and continued community involvement.
For more than 30 years, Kans for Kids has shown what can happen when compassion, community, and service come together. Its work continues to make a meaningful difference for families across Barton County and beyond.