By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
United Way of Ellis County's 71st-annual fundraising campaign has raised about $211,000 of its $350,000 goal to fund local programs.
The nonprofit focuses on key pillars that foster a good quality of life and strengthen the community.
United Way Executive Director Erica Berges said the organization's mission is to support funding for essential programs.
"We base those programs on four criteria: youth opportunity, community resiliency, healthy community and financial security," she said.
Berges said she anticipates more donations in the weeks ahead.
Campaign donations are accepted online until Jan. 31, by phone at 785-628-8281, and in person at the United Way of Ellis County office, 1200 Main Street, Suite 102.
United Way will continue to accept donations after Jan. 31 as the deadline helps facilitate the Care Council's funding decisions.
Giving options include payroll deductions, monthly contributions and rounding up purchases to support programs such as rent assistance, utility aid and physical therapy for children.
"The nice thing about donating to United Way is it's going to multiple agencies and programs across every demographic," Berges said. "From birth to our senior citizens and everybody in between."
Donors can designate their contributions to specific agencies or allow United Way of Ellis County to allocate them to an agency they select.
"You can always give us a call. I'm more than happy to talk to individuals to let them know what their donation dollars are going to," Berges said.
The Care Council consists of 12 community volunteers who review agency funding requests and recommend United Way allocations.
The council strives to ensure funded programs and agencies deliver essential community services.
"Unfortunately, the ask is always more than we can give, and we always want to give out as much as we can," Berges said. "That's why our annual campaign is so important."
United Way of Ellis County will host a Chamber Chat at 9 a.m. on Jan. 24 at its offices at 1200 Main St., Suite 102, to allow the public to learn about the group.
The organization is hosting a Dueling Pianos event at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Schenk Community Building. The event will include food, drinks and music. Tickets are $50 each.
You can visit the United Way of Ellis County website and follow them on Facebook.