After launching the 2012 campaign Sept. 1, the United Way of Central Kansas has made significant headway, UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith said.
“We are half way to our goal, but still could use the community’s support,” she said. The target this year is $235,000, up from last year’s target of $225,000, and the theme is Live United.
This marks the second year and second campaign for the newly renamed United Way of Central Kansas covering Barton and Pawnee counties. Leading the charge are co-chairs Marsha and Roy Westoff of Great Bend and Tama Hanson of Larned, along with new board members Jane Fox of Larned and Becca Maxwell of Ellinwood. 
Bugner-Smith said the board set the goal with an eye to an increased need and fund cuts experienced by many of the agencies UWCK serves. 
“I didn’t realize how many entities it helps,” said Ron Smith. Smith, along with David Thill, Michael Johnson Sr., Ed Neimich, Gary Burke and Todd Ost, took on heading up the campaign’s oilfield division. “We’re just looking for any and every donation we can get.”
In addition to oilfield, the drive is broken into clubs and organizations, corporate, payroll, professionals, residents and small businesses.
“For the first time in a long time, the oilfield division is trying to be proactive,” Smith said. Letters have been sent, contacts have been made and some money is already coming in.
“We’re just giving it our best shot,” Smith said. “It all goes for a good cause.”
“Every dollar counts,” Bugner-Smith said. “Many agencies have had federal and state cuts so the need is greater than ever.” Additionally, “more people are using their services,” Bugner-Smith said.
These funds go to help the 19 agencies served by UWCK. “Of what we raise, 99 percent stays in our communities,” Bugner-Smith said.
“It takes everyone to help,” Bugner-Smith said.
 To contact United Way of Central Kansas, visit the office at 1125 Williams in Great Bend, call 620-792-2403, or visit e-mail uwck@org.