Jeff Fillpot: The Steady Hands and Open Heart Behind Hume’s Stronger Community

 

In the small town of Hume, Missouri, neighbors know they can count on Jeff Fillpot. Whether he’s stocking shelves at the local food pantry, tending the school greenhouse, supporting families through church outreach, or simply taking time to listen, Jeff shows up—quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly. His commitment to serving others has made him one of Missouri’s Top 20 Most Engaged Neighbors of 2025, a recognition presented during Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

Jeff’s desire to connect with his community began with inspiration from others. “I have been inspired by the helping hands of others constantly supporting one another,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of it and meld with the community.” 

He soon became a leader at the town’s volunteer-run food pantry, an essential service that now gives a helping hand to more than 230 families each month, including many during the holidays. Jeff travels weekly to help the stock the pantry and pickup supplies.

The pantry’s impact is a team effort: Jeff’s wife, Val, played a key role in the pantry’s early setup and logistics. She was the person who connected the pantry with Harvesters, helping build the foundation that makes today’s operations possible. She now runs the business of the pantry making Jeff and Val a dynamic duo.

Jeff’s service extends well beyond food assistance. He contributes weekly volunteer hours to support the Hume School Greenhouse, helping students cultivate more than 200 poinsettias this year alone. Teachers credit him with transforming the greenhouse from an avoided space into one that children love—warm, welcoming, and full of growth.

The next chapter and collaboration is helping loop the school greenhouse into  community needs and the pantry. 

Outside these projects, Jeff invests in people through conversation and presence. “Get out and talk to people,” he advises. “Listen to the needs that are being shared.” 

His nominator captured his impact best: “Jeff works hard to meet individual needs and treats all people with dignity and respect. Since 2016, he has been a pillar of compassion and service in our community.”

Through faith, humility, and dedication, Jeff Fillpot is helping ensure that in Hume, no one stands alone—and that neighbors continue to lift one another up, one act of kindness at a time.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.