A new online resource is making it easier for families to find holiday assistance while helping local organizations coordinate their efforts to reach more people in need.
The Central Kansas Non-Profit Network, a task force of Central Kansas Partnership (CKP), has launched the Central Kansas Community Assist website at www.centralkscommunityassist.com.
Each year, numerous organizations coordinate Angel Trees, toy drives, food baskets, and other holiday giving programs. While these efforts make a tremendous difference, challenges can arise in identifying families who need assistance, preventing duplication, and connecting donors with opportunities to help.
The new website addresses these challenges by providing a central location for holiday assistance programs, family referrals, and sponsorship opportunities.
Local organizations and businesses hosting Angel Trees, toy drives, food distributions, or other holiday assistance programs can register and list their programs on the website.
Participating agencies can submit referrals, identify families they are already assisting, and coordinate efforts to reduce duplication. Businesses, churches, civic groups, and individuals can also register as sponsors to help fulfill holiday needs. The platform is designed to protect families’ personal information while allowing organizations to better coordinate resources.
“We have so many wonderful organizations and individuals doing incredible things for families during the holidays,” said Charell Owings, Central Kansas Non-Profit Network Task Force lead and executive director of United Way of Central Kansas. “Our goal isn’t to replace those efforts, but to bring them together. By improving communication and reducing duplication, we can make donated dollars go further and ultimately help more children and families.”
The effort is already gaining momentum. As of Nov. 3, 11 organizations are participating, with 54 individuals from 14 households registered and 108 individual assistance needs identified. Of those, 90 needs remain open for sponsorship.
The Non-Profit Network hopes the platform will strengthen collaboration throughout Central Kansas, ensuring that community generosity reaches as many households as possible this holiday season.
Learn more, request assistance, or register as a participating organization or sponsor at www.centralkscommunityassist.com.
