HUTCHINSON, Kan. – United Way recognizes that this community can accomplish more together than one person or organization can do alone. About 200 volunteers contributed much time and energy for the betterment of our community over the past few months by helping with the United Way of Reno County annual fundraising campaign. United Way would like to thank all the volunteers who picked up packets, scheduled presentations and have been UW cheerleaders during the campaign.
United Way would like to give special thanks to Russ Reinert, who chaired the campaign this year. Russ stated, “As Chairman of the United Way of Reno County fund campaign, I am pleased with the level of participation. It is still a sluggish economy and our businesses, employees and residents are asked to help out an increasing number of qualified charitable programs. I am extremely pleased with the significant number of Reno County Employers that allowed United Way representatives to make presentations in the workplace. Employees not only need to be asked to contribute to the United Way, they need a thorough understanding of how their contribution is utilized. This happens when the employees get a chance to see the United Way video and hear our presentation. It is our hope that more employers will allow presentations in future years.”
The campaign is raising funds for 32 agencies and 53 programs that provide vital services throughout Reno County.
A gift to United Way touches and impacts a wide cross sector of community needs. Reinert summed it up best, “I learned so much about the United Way and the 53 Programs supported by the United Way during the campaign. There are so many agencies attempting to prevent problems in our community before they occur. And, of course, there are a number of safety net programs. The common theme of all of the agencies is to improve the quality of life in our great community.”
To date, the UWRC campaign is at 70% of its goal. The community has raised $1,052,000. Despite the generosity of this community, United Way is still short of the goal set by the needs of the partner agencies. United Way is asking for your support in order to keep programs such as the Infant and Toddler program at Early Education Center, The Noel House at New Beginnings and the other 30 agencies going strong. It is not too late to give. United Way of Reno County is asking the community to support these partner agencies and programs by giving a gift to help meet the $1.5 million goal. Contributions to United Way of Reno County remain local unless a donor specifically designates their contribution to go to another community.
The campaign is still open and will remain open until Jan. 31st. United Way invites everyone to help be a part of the change by supporting the annual campaign. If anyone has not yet made a contribution, they may be sent to: P.O. Box 2230, Hutchinson, KS 67504-2230, or text 91999 then type “Reno” in the message box, or make a donation at www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org.