United Way of Central Kansas extends heartfelt thanks to the Pawnee County community for the incredible generosity shown through the Pawnee County Christmas Angels program, which we were honored to lead this year. For 50 years, Pawnee County Christmas Angels was led by the Fort Larned Lions Club, and stepping into that legacy was an honor. We are deeply grateful for their continued support, including funding assistance, carts for filling food boxes, and thoughtful guidance throughout this transition.
We also extend sincere thanks to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and Larned High School for hosting Giving Trees, Larned Middle School, Dillons, and the Larned Library for serving as food collection sites, to Cal-Maine Foods for the donated boxes we filled with food, and Carr Auction for generously providing space to organize and assemble this project.
Special thanks to the Noon Lions Club for their hands-on support, including delivering food boxes and transporting five pallets of food from Dillons. Thank you to Israel Hagerman and his students, UWCK board members, and the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this project run smoothly.
This project exists because of donors who care deeply about their neighbors. Individuals who gave a few dollars, families who added extra items to their grocery carts, businesses and organizations who stepped up with larger gifts, and volunteers who showed up day after day—all of you made this possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, added up to something powerful. Thanks to you, we were able to purchase thousands of dollars in food, fill shelves with nutritious items, and ensure families did not have to choose between groceries and other essential expenses. This kind of giving sends a clear message to families in need: you matter, and you are not alone.
Because of the generosity of this community, 60 families were served this holiday season, providing food for 165 individuals. Each family received over $100 worth of food, helping ease financial stress and allowing families to focus on what matters most—time together during the holidays.
To the families we were able to assist, thank you for trusting us and allowing us to walk alongside you during the holidays. This community cares deeply about you and wants more for you than simply getting by—we want you to thrive.
A strong community is one that shows up for those who need it most, and Pawnee County continues to do exactly that year after year. Thank you, and we look forward to serving our neighbors again next year.
Charell Owings is the executive director of United Way of Central Kansas. Contact her at unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com.
