By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
In the uncertain times of the coronavirus pandemic, the assistance provided by the United Way of Ellis County to disadvantaged residents is more than important than ever, says Erica Berges, executive director.
United Way held its kickoff luncheon Friday at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall for the 2020 fundraising campaign, "1 For All."
The event was sponsored by the Hays Chamber and Eagle Communications.
"We know this year has been rough for many," Berges said to the audience.
"Cut hours, job layoffs, school closures. You name it, something seemed to happen.
"The United Way partner agencies have seen increased need and, at the same time unfortunately, declining revenue due to fundraiser efforts that had to be canceled because of the pandemic."
This year's goal is $380,000.
"So this year, I'm asking you to dig a little deeper, reach a little further, just give a little bit more to help those agencies," Berges said, "because they are helping the most vulnerable in our community."
Across the country, United Way campaign volunteers have been told to expect donations to be down 10 to 30 percent this year.
Berges wants Ellis County to be the outlier.
"Let's prove them wrong. Let's show then the caring power of Ellis County and what we can do when we all come together," she said.
Bill Oyet, administrative assistant, reviewed a couple opportunities to donate to the United Way, in addition to the traditional direct cash, online donation, and payroll deduction.
"We are going through difficult economic times right now," Oyet acknowledged, "so this year we came up with a few options that will make donating easier for all."
One of those is Amazon Smile, a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program.
"Amazon shoppers can go to Smile.Amazon.com, create an account, and designate half a percent of your online purchases to your favorite charity - United Way," Oyet smiled and pointed to his United Way logo shirt. "You guys already knew that," he added as the crowd laughed.
Another option, Round Up Giving, is new this year.
"The software program rounds up your credit purchases to the nearest dollar, and that change will be donated to the United Way."
Oyet believes Round Up Giving, which also works with debit cards, will be particularly attractive to young people who don't have extra cash to donate.
"This is a great solution," he said.
The Round Up Giving for nonprofits app is available on the United Way website.
"I really recommend these options," Oyet said. "They're simple to use and easy to recommend to other people."
One major change this year is switching from a single campaign chairman to a six-person campaign committee.
They are Niki Clark, Kara Denton, Lisa Keever, Kelly Lewis, Korinna Parker, and Amy Schaffer.
Also changing is the Heritage Society, comprised of donors contributing $500 or more.
It's now the Champions Circle, with a new fundraising competition between large businesses to claim the trophy for display in their facility.
Fundraising events still on the calendar are the Oct. 4 golf tournament and several Dine Out Days at local restaurants.
The 18 partner agencies of United Way of Ellis County are:
AMERICAN RED CROSS – Disaster Services, Health and Safety, Biomedical Services
BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS – Mentoring Program
CANCER COUNCIL – Financial Services, Nutritional Supplement
CATHOLIC CHARITIES – Counseling Services
CENTER FOR LIFE EXPERIENCES – Group Leader
CEREBRAL PALSY RESEARCH FOUNDATION – Family Support Services
CITY OF ELLIS - City Pool Improvement Project
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES – Improving Quality of Services to Volunteers and Children
DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES OF NORTHWEST KANSAS – Job Placement Follow Along Program
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONNECTIONS – Connections Summer Preschool
FIRST CALL FOR HELP – Backpack for Kids, Info/Referral Program, Meals on Wheels
HAYS AREA CHILDREN’S CENTER – Early Intervention Services
HAYS SENIOR CENTER - Hays Meal Site
KVC WHEATLAND HOSPITAL - Capacity Expansion
OPTIONS – Shelter House Services
PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER – Ten Steps to Positive Parenting
WESTERN KANSAS ASSOCIATION ON THE CONCERNS OF THE DISABLED – Transportation Work Voucher Program
WESTERN KANSAS CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER - Child Advocacy Center Expansion