NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Carla Stanfield with the United Way of Reno County is excited about the kickoff of the 24-25 campaign this Friday.
"We'll be out on street corners waving to passersby in the morning drive time all throughout the community down into South Hutch, really just as that visible moment to let folks know, hey, we're out again," Stanfield said. "We're asking you to support this nonprofit work in our community and for business leaders to know that you're going to have a volunteer showing up in your place of business in the next couple of weeks."
The goal for the new campaign is $1.3 million.
"That's our goal this year to support 21 agencies, and actually it's 33 programs inside of those agencies," Stanfield said. "Some agencies receive funding for only one program, like Meals on Wheels. That's all they do, so they get funding for that particular program, but Interfaith Housing, for example, has four programs that receive United Way community donated dollars."
There are many ways to give to nonprofits in the community.
"I love to offer lots of solutions for folks, so we can do a one-time gift," Stanfield said. "You can mail us a check. That's absolutely doable. You can hop on our website and make a one-time gift on a credit card or through an automated payment out of a bank account. I think one thing that's really unique about United Way and the reason we do have so many businesses that choose to participate with us is we allow a payroll deduct option where folks are able to give a reoccurring gift out of their paycheck pre-tax, so it does give you a little lift when it comes tax time."
But, even if you don't have money to give, you can still help.
"As a volunteer, if you can give your time, that's very valuable in the nonprofit community. There is the Volunteer Center here locally. I call them our matchmakers for volunteerism. They will put you in a place that can use your skills and your time. You can also be an advocate, and I think lots of folks when they hear advocacy think political advocacy, and that's one way to be an advocate, but you can also just be an advocate for something that you're passionate about. Maybe it's getting involved in your school PTO. Maybe it's sitting on a civic group. Perhaps it's just engaging in your friends circle in a way that says, hey, y'all, we need to get involved in XYZ because we're passionate about it. So really, truly, I say look for that opportunity to be plugged in in your community."
Give how you're able. Give to what makes your heart feel good. For more information on how to give, go to https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/.