By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The United Way of Ellis County has raised about $330,000 of its $370,000 goal as its campaign nears its close at the end of January.
Erica Berges, United Way director, said she hopes the campaign will raise at least $350,000, which was the amount the agency raised last year. United Way increased its goal by $20,000 this year.
Berges said the agency's Care Council is reviewing applications for 16 programs and will make decisions on funding levels in February.
She said hopes funding will not need to be cut to any agencies as all of the nonprofits United Way funds are reporting increased costs largely due to inflation.
"I know it has been a tough year for everybody with rising costs," Berges said, "but it's affecting the agencies too."
The United Way board is reviewing its reserves to determine if some of those funds should be released this year to help fund agencies, Berges said.
"For the past year we have been looking into our reserves," Berges said. "We feel like we need to spend these down. There's no reason they are hanging out in a bank account when they need to go to agencies."
Taco fundraiser
The United Way and Heartland Community Foundation will have a joint taco fundraiser at Thirsty's.
A free taco/nacho bar will be offered from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 at the Venue, 2704 Vine, Hays. Freewill donations will be taken. Proceeds will be split between the two nonprofits.
Berges said the United Way board has not decided if the funds raised from this event will go toward the current campaign or the campaign beginning this fall. She said it may depend how close United Way is to its goal at the end of January.
The event also will have a raffle. If you wish to donate an item to that raffle , you can contact the United Way at 785-628-8281.
How to donate
Donors still have time to send in funds or make pledges to the campaign, Berges said. Donors can give in a variety of ways.
They can go to the United Way website and click on the donate button. One-time donations, monthly donations or purchase round-up options are available.
The round-up option automatically rounds up your purchases to the next dollar and transfers the change to United Way as a donation. Donors can set a maximum amount they wish to donate in this manner.
United Way also accepts donations through Venmo at @United-Way-of-Ellis-County.
You can bring a check in person to the United Way office at 1200 Main, Ste. 102, Hays. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 367, Hays, KS 67601.
You also can follow United Way on Facebook.
Cover photo courtesy Pixabay