United Way reaps benefits of Days of Giving

By CRISTINA JANNEY

Hays Post

Steve Urban, Eagle Communications sales, presents a check to Sherry Dryden, United Way executive director, for $1,296.

The Eagle Radio of Hays sales team in partnership with its Days of Giving sponsors raised $1,296 for the United Way.

The sales team sold a radio advertising package surrounding The Ellis County United Way Days of Giving, and a portion of the proceeds was donated back to The Ellis County United Way.

Spots featuring Sherry Dryden, United Way Executive director, will air on Eagle’s Hays area radio stations, 101.9 FM The Bull, 1400 AM KAYS, 103.3 FM The Mix, 99.5 K2 Country, and Hull Broadcastings 96.9 FM KFIX through Sunday for a push to make the agency’s fundraising goal.

“The United Way of Ellis County is continuously humbled by the dedicated commitment of support from Eagle Communications with their tireless efforts of building awareness for the United Way,” Dryden said. “The advertising supporters for this project are amazing in their understanding of the important work the United Way does for Ellis County. Everyone’s help and support on this project is so very much appreciated.”

The agency is only 50 percent to its $400,000 goal. It has extended its annual fundraising drive, which typically ends on Dec. 31, into January.

The agency fears funding will have to be cut to its partner agencies, which may mean the number of people served in the community and the number of services provided may have to be reduced.

In 2018, United Way supported local programs at 15 partner agencies.

These included the American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sisters, Cancer Council of Ellis County, Catholic Charities, Center for Life Experiences, Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Early Childhood Connections, First Call for Help, Hays Area Children’s Center, Options, Parents and Children Together, Salvation Army and Western Kansas Association on the Concerns for the Disabled.

There is still time to donate and there are several ways to do so.

You can donate online, call United Way at 785-628-8281, send checks to P.O. Box 367, Hays, KS 67601 or make a donation or pledge in person at the United Way office at the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., Suite 111, Hays.

Note: Eagle Radio is owned by Eagle Communications, which also owns and operated the Hays Post. Cristina Janney is a member of the CASA board, which receives funds from United Way.