By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County ended its campaign just under its goal but will be able to increase funding for its 15 partner agencies.
United Way raised $335,800 during its campaign, which is slightly less than the organization raised last year and less than its $370,000 goal.
Erica Berges, United Way executive director, said the organization increase funding for its agencies by $10,000 for a total award of $280,000 this year.
"The board has been looking at our finances, and we are in pretty good shape," Berges said, "so we decided to up the amount that we are giving this year. We know the partner agencies are facing higher prices like everybody is. We want to make sure we can give out as much money as we can. ...
"With some of the agencies, they are seeing an even higher need for their services than in previous years. That means more work for them and they need more money to provide those services," she said.
Award letters have been sent to the partner agencies, and awards will be publically announced soon, Berges said.
Berges said some large corporations have changed how they are reporting their United Way giving. Large corporations may report local payroll donations to their corporate headquarters, but the local United Way chapter may not know what they are getting until the donations come in.
Berges said she did not want to guess what those donations may be and did not include those estimates in the campaign total.
A Fort Hays State University Leadership 310 class is sponsoring a Dine-Out Day tonight at IHOP to support United Way partner agency First Call for Help.
Funds will be used to support various First Call for Help programs, some of which include a food pantry, diaper pantry, Backpacks for Kids and the First Step Housing program.
Big Give Day Hays, a joint fundraiser for United Way and the Heartland Community Foundation, raised $4,000 on Feb. 13. Proceeds will be split between the two nonprofits.
Thirsty's sponsored a taco bar, and freewill donations were accepted. Nex-Tech was an event sponsor and several local businesses also provided items for a raffle.
The United Way has set its annual golf tournament for June. The organization also will have other events to highlight its partner agencies throughout the year.
"A big thank you to the community," Berges said. "It's so surprising how giving this community is. When we look at some of the other United Ways across the state of similar size, we always surpass them in giving. I want to thank the community for having such a big heart."