United Way of Central Kansas is gearing up for its annual Stuff the Bus event across Barton and Pawnee counties, said UWCK Executive Director Gaila Demel.

“This annual event provides much needed items for our 23 Community Partners with items on the list ranging from personal hygiene products, to non-perishable food items, to back-to-school supplies,” she said. With a presence in Ellinwood, Hoisington, Great Bend and Larned, the campaign makes it easy for folks to pick up a few extra items to donate the next time they are at a store.  

“We have partnered with stores across the area to make sure that you have a chance to help our partners,” she said. Anyone who isn’t able to make it out on the day of the event may contact UWCK to drop items off beforehand.

“We also encourage businesses to allow their staff to wear jeans if they make a donation,” Demel said. “Then all your items can be dropped off at the location nearest you.”

United Way believes that communities are stronger together, and this event shows us each year just how accurate that statement is, she said. “More than 3,000 items are donated each year to this event, taking a huge financial burden off our Community Partners so they can focus on helping those in our community who need a hand up.”

The drives will take place:

Great Bend: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Wal-Mart and both Dillons locations.

Hoisington: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Town and Country Supermarket.

Larned: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Dillons, Dollar General and Shopko.

Ellinwood: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Wolf Park.

This event started eight years ago in Great Bend and has expanded to the other communities in the years since. It is coordinated by Dianne Call in Great Bend, with the help of Kay Wilbur; by Tama Hanson in Larned; Becca Maxwell with the help of Nancy Baird in Ellinwood; and Jan Morgenstern and Toni Schneweis in Hoisington.