The second-annual Dress Down the Town Nov. 18 was a success for the United Way of Central Kansas, said Julie Bugner Smith, UWCK executive director. The number of business participating was down slightly from last year, but over $1,600 was raised to help support the Literacy Kits that will be distributed to pre-K students in Barton and Pawnee Counties. 

There were 40 local businesses that took part and over 650 workers wore jeans to work for a small donation to United Way. The United Way worked with The Buckle again this year to giveaway a free pair of Buckle jeans.  

Each participating business drew one name from their employees who donated to UWCK to wear jeans, and each of these winners gathered at The Buckle on Thursday to draw for the final winner. Vickie Wilson from Progressive Therapy was the big winner and will be working with the staff at The Buckle to find that perfect pair of jeans.  

“Jeans day is a great way for the community to come together and show their support of United Way and their 19 Community Partners by donating just $1 to UWCK,” Bugner Smith said. “The Buckle donating a pair of jeans to the cause really helps to increase the interest in this. It is really fun to go into local businesses on this day and see everyone dressed casually and have their stickers on.

“I want to give a special thank you to everyone that participated and Sally Mauler at the Buckle partnering with UWCK,” she said.

United Way of Central Kansas plans to keep up the tradition and have a jeans day again next year, so check it out on Facebook or visit its website, www.uwck.org, to keep up on all the events.