The Barton County Commission once again joined in the effort to Live United as they proclaimed the months of August –December 2020 as United Way of Central Kansas months. The proclamation addresses the focus of United Way to bring the entire community-individuals, businesses, and organizations-together to create lasting change in our community, UWCK Executive Director Gaila Demel said.
“With an emphasis on education, health, and income-the building blocks for quality of life-United Way of Central Kansas believes that everyone wins when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are in good health,” she said.
“We’re honored to receive this proclamation, but we are also humbled by the support we receive from the Barton County employees and all businesses and donors in the area we serve,” Demel said. “We hope this recognition will encourage others to get involved and learn more about what UWCK is doing in our community.”
Barton County employees donate to United Way through the payroll deduction program, she said. Through this, the county supports projects with United Way, such as Reality U and is was recipient of UWCK impact programs in the form of the hand sanitizer distribution project.
“This is a different year,” she said, with COVID-19 impacting the look of much of their efforts. “But, that’s what we’re built for. One thing became clear – we are a relevant organization in Barton and Pawnee counties.”
Demel said they are keeping their goal the same as it was last year at $275,000. About half of that comes from UWCK’s Pacesetter s, which are the top 15 donor businesses.
“Any business, individual, or organization that is interested in being a part of the UWCK 2021 Campaign is encouraged to contact United Way,” she said, “Whether you are interested in a volunteer project, making a donation, becoming a workplace Campaign, or if you just want to learn more about what UWCK does, we hope that you will reach out to us.”
The United Way holds an annual campaign every fall in order to support those efforts, she said.
UWCK covers Barton and Pawnee counties and serves 22 community partners.
For more information, visit www.uwck.org or call 620-792-2403.
Here is the proclamation from the Barton County Commission supporting the fall campaign of United Way Of Central Kansas:
WHEREAS, the citizens of Barton County, Kansas, and all of Central Kansas should enjoy healthy, meaningful lives; and
WHEREAS, United Way advances that common goal by creating opportunities for a better life for citizens throughout Central Kansas; and
WHEREAS, United Way focuses on education, income and health – the building blocks for quality of life – because everyone wins when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are in good health; and
WHEREAS, it takes every part of the community – individuals, businesses and organizations – to supply the passion, expertise and resources needed to create lasting change for the better; and
WHEREAS, last year Barton County citizens generously contributed their volunteer energies as well as more than $300,000 to the United Way of Central Kansas, thereby investing in programs and initiatives that improve lives, build stronger communities and provide for a greater shared future; and
WHEREAS, the United Way holds an annual campaign every fall, centered on keeping ninety-nine percent of donations local, in order to support those efforts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Board of County Commissioners of Barton County, Kansas, that the months of August through December, 2020, are declared as UNITED WAY of CENTRAL KANSAS MONTH
FURTHER, that all citizens are urged to learn more about United Way, its community partners and join in supplying the passion, expertise and resources needed in 2020 and beyond.
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Monday morning:
• Approved a proclamation supporting the fall campaign of United Way of Central Kansas
• Approved a lease agreement with Murphy Property for Road and Bridge Storage.
This is the extension of a current lease for approximately 2.4 acres southeast of Albert at 784 NW 40 Rd. to store materials and equipment used for the construction and maintenance of roadways, said County Works Director Darren Williams. Leased from James Murphy, it is suggested that the updated lease be extended to October 2025, with a total payment of $2,000.
• Approved Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) funding distributions of $6,465 to the 20th Judicial District and $1,256 to RSVP of Central Kansas.
• Authorized the distribution of SPARK Public Health funding for the cost or reimbursement of COVID-related expenses. This included $13,400 to the Barton County Emergency Aid Council.
• Authorized a $13,539 Rural Emergency Operations Center Enhancement Grant Program through the SPARK program via the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.
• Approved the county’s applying for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program of $25,460.
