The United Way of Central Kansas launched its 2017 campaign Saturday night. The theme was “Stars and Stripes and United Way Forever,” harking back to the glory days of Hollywood. The goal this year is $275,000, and the effort ends Dec. 31. 

With 99 percent of the money raised staying in the communities served by UWCK, every contribution made can make a difference, UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner Smith said. United Way of Central Kansas helps support 23 community agencies in Barton and Pawnee counties, as well as other programs such as the Born Learning Trail in Claflin and Great Bend, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Ellinwood and Larned, and other projects.

This year, Hoisington joins the UWCK effort.

So, as you can see, the money raised goes to a lot of worthy causes. The funds are also becoming more and more necessary.

Many of the agencies UWCK serves also receive federal and/or state funding, as well as funding from various grants. These revenue sources are cutting back and the grant world is becoming more competitive. 

This all makes what the United Way does all that more important.

The 2017 campaign co-chairs are Chuck and Meg Wilson, Kevin and Kista Holt, and Cole and Regan Reif, and UWCK board vice-president is Mark Mingenback. These folks along with UWCK’s volunteer board carry all of the load for making sure the drive is successful.

But, referring back to the patriotic, the real heroes are the area residents. If it weren’t for the donations and contributions from them, the campaign could not be successful.

“The agencies that UWCK serves rely on these contributions to stretch their already tight budgets,” Smith said. She is so right.

Let’s pull together this year for a equally powerful campaign.

For more information, call 620-792-2403 or visit www.uwck.org.

Dale Hogg