When Sunflower Diversified Services representatives recently made phone calls and sent texts during a special event, the community came through once again for the Invest in Kids Club, said Connie Oetken, director of development.

The non-profit agency’s sixth annual Dialing for Dollar$ campaign collected almost $19,000 for infants and toddlers at Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC) and Incredible Years Preschool.

“The willingness of central Kansans to support children with disabilities and delays is so gratifying,” Oetken said. “Our supporters know the importance of early intervention for children ages birth to 3, along with our exceptional preschool program.

“Our professional teachers and therapists make life-changing differences for children and their families every day,” she continued. “Since they can help alleviate or overcome developmental delays, children may not need expensive special education later.”

Members of Sunflower’s board of directors and its Foundation board of trustees made calls during the Dialing for Dollar$ event. Staff members also participated.

“We appreciate everyone who made calls and all of our generous donors,” Oetken said. “Nex-Tech Wireless, which helped sponsor this annual event, also has our heartfelt appreciation.”

Heather Quillin, Sunflower children’s services coordinator, also expressed her appreciation.

“We are so grateful for the generous donations of all donors during our Dialing for Dollar$ campaign and all of 2019,” Quillin said. “It is through this generosity that we are able to continue to serve so many children and families in our Sunflower EEC programs and preschool.”

For more information or to donate to the Invest in Kids Club, contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325. All contributions remain in central Kansas.

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The non-profit agency is in its 53rd year.