Sep 07, 2021

🎥 'Little acts, big changes' is theme of 2021 United Way fundraising campaign

Posted Sep 07, 2021 11:01 AM
Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at the 2021 campaign kickoff Aug. 27 in the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, Hays.
Erica Berges, United Way of Ellis County executive director, at the 2021 campaign kickoff Aug. 27 in the Rose Garden Banquet Hall, Hays.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Little acts can - and do - make big changes for thousands of lives impacted every year by the United Way of Ellis County.

That is the theme for the 2021 campaign fundraiser which officially kicked off Aug. 27 during a Hays Chamber lunch sponsored by Eagle Radio. 

"No act of kindness is too small to make a difference," said Erica Berges, United Way executive director. "It's a ripple effect," she said, gesturing to campaign artwork with concentric circles. 

According to information on the United Way website, 21,349 people were assisted last year in Ellis County. 

"When we all come together to help the community, big things can happen."

Berges also encouraged the audience to also think about little changes they could make in their personal lives and how - in that ripple effect - it could help other people.

"It's not just about [financial] donations," she said.

There are 16 United Way of Ellis County partner agencies which benefit from the campaign disbursements as determined by the volunteer CARE Council. 
There are 16 United Way of Ellis County partner agencies which benefit from the campaign disbursements as determined by the volunteer CARE Council. 
Jennifer Harmon, Eagle Radio, (standing at left) and other United Way board members are recognized at the campaign kickoff lunch. 
Jennifer Harmon, Eagle Radio, (standing at left) and other United Way board members are recognized at the campaign kickoff lunch. 

The 16 United Way partner agencies and volunteers were recognized along with United Way board members, staff, and campaign leaders. 

Two community members, alongside their mentors, shared how their lives have improved with help from programs supported by the United Way. 

Through translator Meleny Jacome-Banuelos, the United Way administrative assistant, a Hispanic single mother talked about the help she's received for her young son from the Hays Area Children's Center. 

Hays Area Children's Center currently serves 72 children from birth to age three who have developmental disabilities or delays.
Hays Area Children's Center currently serves 72 children from birth to age three who have developmental disabilities or delays.

Another resident, Jacob, talked proudly about his job and responsibilities at the Hays Recreation Center, thanks to the Employment Connections program through Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Through DSNWK's Employment Connections, Jacob (at left) has cleaned equipment and laundry for nearly seven years at the Hays Recreation Center. His employee badge includes the title "HRC Director of First Impressions." 
Through DSNWK's Employment Connections, Jacob (at left) has cleaned equipment and laundry for nearly seven years at the Hays Recreation Center. His employee badge includes the title "HRC Director of First Impressions." 

Former Ellis County Commissioner Guy Windholz is a board member of the Hays Senior Center who talked about meals provided to older Ellis County residents and plans for a proposed retiree housing community near Hays Med. 

Guy Windholz is a board member of Hays Senior Center. In the past year, 26,753 hot nutritious meals were served to Ellis County senior residents. 
Guy Windholz is a board member of Hays Senior Center. In the past year, 26,753 hot nutritious meals were served to Ellis County senior residents. 

There are several ways to donate to the United Way including cash or check, online at the organization's website liveunited.us, through round-up giving on the website, or through an employer's payroll deduction program.

Donors can also use AmazonSmile when shopping online through Amazon. The company will donate a portion of your purchase amount to the local United Way.

New this year is the popular mobile phone payment service Venmo.

There are numerous ways to make a financial contribution to United Way of Ellis County. New this year is the popular mobile phone payment service Venmo.
There are numerous ways to make a financial contribution to United Way of Ellis County. New this year is the popular mobile phone payment service Venmo.
&nbsp; You can also click on the link at the top of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/">Hays Post website</a>&nbsp;to make a donation online.&nbsp; &nbsp;
  You can also click on the link at the top of the Hays Post website to make a donation online.   

Planned fundraisers for the campaign include the annual golf tourney to be held Oct. 3, Power of the Purse on Oct. 7, sponsored by the Wonder Women League, Dineout Days at local restaurants, and Pumpkin Packers who will be asking for spare change as they walk in Ellis County homecoming parades. 

Disclaimer: Eagle Radio is the owner of Hays Post. 


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