HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way of Reno County has raised nearly $300,000 toward its $1.35 million annual fundraising goal as local businesses and community members continue supporting programs serving thousands of residents.
Carla Stanfield with the United Way of Reno County said several businesses are conducting workplace campaigns, with additional fundraising efforts expected throughout November.
"We are sitting right under $300,000 total in raised funds so far, which obviously is a ways off from our $1.35 million goal," Stanfield said. "But right now I like to say it's out in the world. It's working."
The organization hopes to wrap up most of its fundraising by the holidays, although donations received through the end of January will count toward the campaign.
Stanfield said workplace giving remains an important part of the organization's fundraising efforts, with many employers allowing employees to contribute through payroll deductions. Some businesses also match employee donations.
She said the community's support extends beyond financial contributions, including volunteer hours, food donations, supplies and holiday gifts.
"Absolutely, they absolutely do. They get behind the needs that are showing up," Stanfield said.
The United Way supports programs that reach approximately 25,000 people annually across Reno County, from early childhood services to hospice care.
Stanfield said the growing demand for assistance continues to highlight financial challenges facing local families.
According to Stanfield, approximately 41% of Reno County residents fall below the poverty threshold or into the ALICE category, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
The designation includes working households that struggle to afford basic necessities despite having one or more jobs.
"These are folks that are working, sometimes more than one job, but unable to necessarily meet the needs of the financial need of their household," Stanfield said.
Young families, single parents and older adults living on fixed incomes are among the groups most affected.
The United Way has established a goal of reducing the percentage of residents experiencing those financial challenges by 5 percentage points over the next five years.
Stanfield said achieving that goal will require cooperation among businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies, particularly in addressing affordable housing, transportation and access to services.
Meanwhile, the organization recently hosted its second annual Spark Tank Live! event Saturday, Oct. 24, at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The event featured four local nonprofit organizations pitching their programs before a panel of community judges. All four finalists received funding from the United Way.
"All four of them walked away with funding from United Way, so it was a pretty exciting evening," Stanfield said. "We feel like it's pretty informative for our audience to learn about programs that are happening that likely they don't know about."
The finalists were selected from applications reviewed by a group of community volunteers. A four-member judging panel then determined the final rankings during the event.
Stanfield said participation was similar to last year's inaugural event, but she hopes the program will continue attracting more applicants and attendees.
"I think this is going to be a staple for us here in Reno County moving forward," she said.
Residents interested in contributing to the annual campaign or learning about workplace giving and other donation options can contact the United Way of Reno County at 620-669-9329.