As the year comes to a close, UWCK took a look back on where we started, how we are wrapping up and every step in between. Though we social distanced, we came together. Though we Zoomed, we stayed connected. Though we wore masks, we still smiled.
In January we hosted Reality U in Ellinwood, with students from eight area schools attending. More than 200 students went through the Reality U simulation of purchasing all their basic needs on a budget. They also got a crash course on the Cost of Delinquency and the Reality After High School.
In February, we were still able to deliver Boxes of Love to homebound seniors in Barton & Pawnee Counties. More than 200 seniors received homemade Valentine’s Day cards from children along with some fun items to show them they are loved and important. This will be taking place again in 2021.
In March, we had planned on introducing a new program for High School Seniors, called #RealWorld, scheduled for the week after Spring Break. That was the first hit that really hurt, but we are working to make it happen in 2021.
During the Spring, UWCK partnered with Eagle Communications and the Robert & Patricia Schmidt Foundation to raise funds towards Pandemic Relief. The partnership raised $13,000, every penny of which was donated to our Community Partners.
UWCK also partnered with Kansas Gas Service & Wheatland Electric to distribute more than 100 hand sanitizer stations in public spaces throughout Barton & Pawnee Counties. We collaborated with Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Golden Belt Community Foundation for #BartonStrong. This project raised more than $20,000 for agencies on the frontlines, while encouraging community members to shop local.
With the cancellation of our annual Kickoff, UWCK held a No Show Gala, encouraging former attendees of our Kickoff Event to donate the same as they would have had we been able to hold an in person event.
July brought about our annual Stuff the Bus event. We collected food items, hygiene necessities, and cleaning products for our Community Partners to distribute to their clients. Though donations were down from prior years, we were impressed by the generosity considering the circumstances that many were facing in their own lives.
In August, we engaged with volunteers to prepare Literacy Kits for Pre-K and Kindergarteners. Sponsors of these kits are Midwest Energy and OPI. These Literacy Kits were delivered to schools in September and included flashcards, worksheets, crayons, and more.
This Fall, we also announced a new event to support UWCK. We also announced its cancellation. Though we were not able to actually host our Beef & Brew event, plans are already underway for 2021. Thanks to amazing sponsors, who were willing to think outside the box, we created event shirts, for an event that didn’t even happen.
In October, we partnered with Barton County Young Professionals to raise funds to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. With support of the business community, foundations, and individuals who see the value of getting books in the hands of children, $22,000 was raised to continue this program.
As the year comes to a close, we are truly inspired by all those in our community who stepped up. Our Community Partners and their clients kept us motivated to keep moving forward, finding new ways to fundraise to ensure that the needs of our neighbors are met. Our Board Members and Volunteers, continually asking for more ways to help. And the generosity of our donors, who saw the need and made the effort to be a part of the solution. To all those who chose to Live United, Thank You. Best Wishes for 2021!