MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County launched its annual fundraising campaign Friday with a goal of raising $1.35 million to support local nonprofit programs.
The programs are expected to serve more than 25,000 community members during the coming year while addressing needs related to youth opportunities, financial stability, health and basic necessities.
Alongside the fundraising campaign, United Way announced a five-year goal of reducing the percentage of Reno County households living in poverty or below the ALICE threshold by five percentage points.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The term describes people who are working and earn too much to qualify for many public assistance programs but not enough to consistently afford housing, child care, food, transportation and other essentials.
United Way reports that 41% of Reno County households are living in poverty or fall below the ALICE threshold.
Campaign contributions will help local organizations meet immediate needs while supporting programs and long-term solutions designed to create greater stability and opportunity.
Christena and David Weber of Weber Auto Glass are serving as this year’s campaign co-chairs. The couple have been longtime United Way donors and volunteers.
“Because the dollars raised through United Way stay right here in our community, when you give, you are helping someone you know,” Christena Weber said.
Weber said donations support local residents through programs such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the sliding-scale services offered by Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County.
This year’s campaign also coincides with United Way of Reno County’s 90th anniversary. The organization was established as a Community Chest in 1936 and has operated as an official United Way organization for the past 50 years.
“For nine decades, Reno County residents have come together to invest in their neighbors, meet needs and create opportunities,” United Way of Reno County CEO Lacey Mills said. “Meeting our campaign goal and making progress toward our bold ALICE goal will take our community uniting — both in giving now to help those in need and dreaming together about what the future holds for Reno County.”
More information about United Way of Reno County and online donations are available at uwrenocounty.org