By Becky Kiser

Hays Post

Ninety-six percent as of today, December 27.

After opening up this morning’s mail, that’s how close the United Way of Ellis County is to this year’s fundraising goal of $490,000.

Executive Director Jason Rauch says all the donations from major employers are in.  “Now we’re sending out some reminder letters to smaller employers and a few individuals.”

Campaign chairman Josh Dreher, Bank of Hays, is also recording a final reminder to air on Hays radio stations.

“We increased our goal $20,000 from last year,” says Rauch.  “That’s because we added two new organizations.  Smoky Hill Foundation for Chemical Dependency has a children’s program United Way will fund, and we’ll help fund the Northwest Kansas Community Corrections housing program.”

So far, $470,081.36 of the $490,000 goal has been raised.