Noting how much good the agency and the many agencies it serves do for the county, the Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a proclamation supporting the United Way of Central Kansas’s 2022 campaign.
“United Way envisions a world where every individual has an opportunity to succeed, and entire communities thrive as a result, UNWC Executive Director Gaila Demel said. “Fueled by the passion of 2.8 million volunteers and 9.8 million donors who give of their time, money and voices, improvements are made daily within our community.”
Locally, “we are proud of the work our community partners do,” she said. These agencies tackle such issues as health, education, financial literacy and other needs.
Their goal is $275,000, she said. They took a hit last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but were still able to meet their obligations to those they serve.
“We’re ready to get out there,” Demel said. After a year of COVID and lack of in-person contacts, she is excited.
District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld said she’s worked with Demel in coordinating donations from county employees. “It gives so much back to the community,” she said of UWCK.
UWCK serves 22 partner agencies in Barton and Pawnee counties, Demel said. She stressed that the partners are well vetted and 98% of the funds raised here stay local.
“We’re really proud of that,” she said.
“It truly is a collective effort,” Demel said. It just takes small donations from a lot of people to make a big difference.
“United Way of Central Kansas has a long and storied history of supporting local partners that provide impactful programs for the whole of our community,” Demel said, reading the proclamation. “United Way has mobilized their caring power to advance the common good by focusing on health, financial stability and education, the building blocks for a good life and a strong community.”
She said by living the motto “United We Give, United We Win,” UWCK can harness the power of volunteers, donors and advocates making a lasting difference in meaningful ways. These donors who give time, money and effort make it possible for UWCK to support projects centered on children, families and older community members.
The campaign’s kickoff took place the evening of Aug. 8 with an Olympics theme. Donors are urged to “Live Like a Champion, Give Like a Champion.”
Prior to that, UWCK’s annual Stuff the Bus drive took place July 21. This event collects items used to fill backpacks for students, fill food shortages for families, and provide partners with needed supplies.
United Way of Central Kansas’ partner agencies include Barton County Young Men’s Organization, Barton County Youth Care, Caring Hands Daycare, Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, Central Kansas CASA, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas, Child Abuse Prevention Education, Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center, ElderCare, Family Crisis Center, Girl Scouts of the Heartland, Great Bend Children’s Learning Center, Habitat for Humanity, Hoisington Commission on Aging, Hoisington Community Food Bank, Hoisington History Museum, Hoisington Toys for Tots, Immediate Intervention Programs, Meals on Wheels, Orphan Grain Train, Central Kansas Volunteers in Action/RSVP and the Salvation Army.
For more information, follow United Way of Central Kansas on Facebook, check out its website, www.uwck.org, or call 620-792-2403.
