By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County 2023 campaign has reached 60 percent of its goal with slightly more than a month left in the campaign.
"We're still, in a sense, early. We have a lot of business employee campaigns that need to be turned in, so I'm still optimistic," said Erica Berges, executive director.
"Of course, there's still time to give. Our campaign really doesn't officially end until Jan. 31," she said.
Donations made Jan. 1-31 will still count for this year's campaign, which is the 70th anniversary of the organization in Ellis County.
United Way has many ways to donate in addition to business payroll deductions, which are among the most popular giving options.
"A lot of employees like that because they can maybe give a higher amount because a little bit is coming out of each paycheck," Berges said. "That way it doesn't have to be one lump sum. It's a convenient way for people to donate."
Many businesses will match their employees' gifts.
The United Way awards a Champions Circle Trophy annually to the large and small businesses with the most per capita giving.
Last year Bank of Hays won the small-business trophy, and Midwest Energy won the large-business award.
You can also make a one-time donation, sign up for monthly donations, or participate in roundup options on the United Way website at liveunited.us.
The roundup option will round up purchases to the nearest dollar with the change going to United Way. You can set a maximum donation per month.
Other options include dropping off checks or cash in person at the United Way office in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main St., Suite 1o2, Hays or mailing checks to P.O. Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.
You also can use Venmo at @United-Way-of Ellis-County.
United Way has 14 partner agencies, which will use their funds for programs or services in one of three specific areas:
EDUCATION
• Big Brothers Big Sisters-Mentoring program
• Court-Appointed Special Advocates-CASA volunteers
• Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas-Infant /toddler early intervention, Tiny K
• Parents and Children Together-Parenting with Conscious Discipline classes
• Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center-Youth advocate
HEALTH
• American Red Cross-Biomedical/disaster Services
• Cancer Council of Ellis County-Financial assistance, nutritional assistance
• Catholic Charities-Counseling services
• Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation-Support services
• Hays Senior Center-Meal site
• Options-Safe shelter
FINANCIAL STABILITY
• Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas-Job Follow Along program
• First Call For Help-Emergency assistance, Backpacks for Kids, Meals on Wheels
• Salvation Army-Financial assistance, Paper Pantry
• Western Kansas Association on the Concerns of the Disabled-Transportation to Work voucher program
United Way created its own "14 Days of Christmas" this year on its Facebook page, spotlighting each agency and featuring its projects or services they help fund or provide.
"There's some great ones out there," Berges said, "and many of them fit into multiple areas.
"That's what's nice about United Way. You can give one donation and know that it's going to 19 different programs offered by the 14 agencies," she said.
Donors can also specify their dollars go to a specific agency or project.
Applications for funding from the United Way of Ellis County were due a couple of weeks ago, and the agency's Care Council has begun the process of vetting each donor's request. The 12 members of the Care Council are comprised of United Way board members and others appointed by the city of Hays and Ellis County.
The Care Council reviews the applications and then visits the agencies in person to learn more about the programs and services, which are asking for funding.
"We want to be good stewards of donor dollars in the community," Berges said. "We want to make sure the money that we're handing out is going to what the community needs the most."
This year's fundraising goal is $370,000.
You can follow the campaign and learn more about partner agencies by following the United Way Facebook page.