HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KWBW Radio's annual Project Concern fundraiser is underway for the 33rd consecutive year, with organizers setting a goal of $15,000 to help Reno County families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The campaign, which began Monday, Nov. 2, will continue through Monday, Nov. 23, with donations benefiting The Salvation Army and the Christian Soup Ministry.
John Brennan and Rob Dreher of Eagle Media and KWBW Radio said the annual effort has become a longstanding tradition of neighbors helping neighbors, with thousands of local residents receiving assistance over the past three decades.
In 2025, Project Concern raised $14,436, providing Thanksgiving assistance to 725 families representing 2,176 individuals.
Dreher said the goal is to surpass last year's total and reach at least $15,000 in 2026.
"Our goal this year, John, let's just say we would love to hit $15,000," Dreher said. "You got to set a goal. You got to shoot for the stars. Try to help as many people out as we can."
The fundraiser was originally established by longtime KWBW personality Dan Deming and has grown into one of the station's signature community service projects.
Dreher said the highest fundraising total on record came in 2015, when Project Concern collected $25,532. More recently, the campaign raised $21,400 in 2023.
While fundraising totals have fluctuated over the years, Brennan said the generosity of listeners has remained consistent.
"Obviously, the more that is collected, the more people that get to be helped, but at the same time, we are always grateful for any amount of money that our listeners want to send through us," Brennan said.
This year's fundraising distribution will direct 75% of donations to The Salvation Army and 25% to the Christian Soup Ministry.
The Salvation Army's portion will provide Dillons grocery gift cards to qualifying families, allowing recipients to purchase food for their Thanksgiving meals. The Christian Soup Ministry, led by Stanley Murdoch, will receive the remaining funds to support its community food assistance efforts.
Brennan credited Dillons and Sheila Regehr for their continued partnership with Project Concern, including assistance in obtaining grocery gift cards and providing discounts that help stretch donations further.
"Dillons, they have been an invaluable partner," Brennan said.
Dreher emphasized that KWBW and Eagle Media serve only as collection points for the fundraiser, with donated money going toward the charitable effort.
The Salvation Army handles the application and screening process for families requesting assistance.
Applications may be submitted in person at The Salvation Army on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or online through the organization's website.
Organizers said the screening process helps ensure assistance reaches families experiencing financial hardship.
Brennan also shared a story about a former Project Concern recipient who returned years later to contribute to the fundraiser.
"She brought in a bag of change, and she said, 'I think there's about eight bucks in here.' But I got a Dillons card a couple years ago. I want to give back," Brennan recalled.
He said the experience demonstrates that donations of any size can make a difference.
"It doesn't matter how much you have to give; everything will help," Brennan said.
How to donate
Donations of cash or checks may be delivered to Eagle Media's studios at 825 N. Main St. in Hutchinson during regular business hours, generally Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Checks may also be mailed to:
KWBW Project Concern
825 N. Main St.
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Donors seeking a potential charitable tax deduction may make checks payable to The Salvation Army, with "Project Concern" written in the memo line. Other checks may be made payable to Project Concern. Tax deductibility depends on the donor's circumstances.
The campaign will conclude Nov. 23, the Monday before Thanksgiving, with organizers hoping to announce the final fundraising total that morning.
Dreher said donations received after the Thanksgiving deadline will be directed toward The Salvation Army's Christmas assistance efforts.
As the campaign enters its 33rd year, Brennan said the fundraiser remains a reflection of the generosity of Reno County residents.
"We thank everybody who gives, who will give, and we're going to keep reminding you for the next three weeks," Brennan said.