By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Despite early predictions the United Way of Ellis County would end its campaign well below goal, it announced Thursday night at a Hays Area Chamber of Commerce After Hours that it was 86 percent to goal.
The agency extended its campaign from the end of December to the end of January and has now raised $347,000 of its $400,000 goal.
Sherry Dryden, United Way executive director, said the organization’s Pacesettter companies stepped up and were able to raise more money for the organization. One of these Pacesetters was Midwest Energy, which co-sponsored the after hours and presented a check for $47,000 to United Way Thursday night on behalf of its employees.
See a Facebook video of the event here.
“Our Pacesetter companies really stepped up,” she said. “They are always there for us. They are our foundation. They are always joining us in betterment for Ellis County.”
The United Way would like to at least reach the $395,000 mark that it reached last year, so none of the United Way’s partner agencies would have to experience cuts.
“We are very excited to get to 86 percent,” she said. “Our campaign ends at the end of January, so we are hoping in these next two weeks we can get the last 14 percent. We are definitely still taking donations.”
If more funds can’t be raised, United Way will have to cut funding to its partner agencies, but not as much as when United Way feared it might if it only reached 40 percent to 60 percent to goal, Dryden said.
Several factors contributed to United Way’s struggle to make goal this year, Dryden said. Among these were changes in the tax laws, retirements at some of the Pacesetter companies and the local economy.
Last year, 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.
Each agency has to meet guidelines and standards to receive funds.
“This is not what the United Way needs,” Dryden said, “this is what our communities in Ellis County need. This is what individuals and families need. They need your help to make it through whatever crisis or struggles they are dealing with at this time. When the 15 agencies that are partners with the United Way have touched one in four people in Ellis County, you never know when it may be you that needs help.”
You can still donate to the campaign. You can do so 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., Ste. 111, Hays.
Although this year’s campaign drive will end Jan. 31, the United Way accepts donations year-round.
Dryden said the United Way will be re-evaluating several of its events in the coming year and looking for better ways to engage donors. Look for information on new events to be released at a latter date. United Way has just completed a strategic plan and will implementing some of those processes in the coming year.
Within a month, the United Way also hopes to launch a website that will connect local volunteers with nonprofits that need help.
“Thank you to everyone who has given,” Dryden said. “And thank you to everyone in Ellis County who helps their neighbor, their friend, their co-worker, their family member because no matter how you give, monetarily or in person, it is important to know that you give.”
