Smoky Hills PBS
BUNKER HILL — The Jack Wilson Charitable Trust has awarded Smoky Hills PBS, Bunker Hill, with a grant of $15,000 to support the station’s educational programming, PBS KIDS, on Smoky Hills PBS (SHPBS).
Support from the Jack Wilson Charitable Trust plays a vital role in maintaining access to free, high quality children’s programming. From literacy and math skills to social-emotional growth, PBS KIDS programming on Smoky Hills PBS helps prepare young viewers for success in school and beyond.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Jack Wilson Charitable Trust for their continued investment in educational programming,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “Their support allows us to provide programming that not only entertains but truly makes a difference in the lives of children and families throughout our region.”
The Wilson Family Charitable Trust is a charitable trust that was funded after the death of Jack Wilson, a Salina entrepreneur, to carry out his charitable intentions.
Jack Wilson was born in Salina, in 1924 where he lived his entire life.
He was instrumental in designing the electrical system necessary to add air to flour to make the flour flow like water. This meant that the flour no longer had to be individually bagged and loaded onto trucks and trains. Instead, the flour could be blown through hoses and directly into trucks for hauling.
After he retired from the mill, he started a successful business called Special Purpose Controls. Special Purpose Controls built and sold electrical controls for irrigation equipment. These controls were sold both domestically and internationally.
He continued to be an inventor and entrepreneur until his death in 2018. He lived a conservative life which afforded him the ability to leave an impactful charitable legacy at his death through the Wilson Family Charitable Trust.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and Smoky Hills PBS support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere.
Fans of PBS KIDS can tune in to PBS KIDS Family Night every weekend for themed programming, including nature, space, family traditions, arts, friends and neighbors, water, animals, storytelling, and routines. Each of these ten themes was selected to support key learning areas identified by educators and experts and curated to provide flexible play and learn opportunities, while corresponding with supplemental resources and games that will be sent weekly through the PBS KIDS for Parents newsletter.