United Way of Central Kansas hosted their annual Stuff the Bus event on July 20. This event brings together all of UWCK’s 22 Community Partners to collect supplies to supplement the services these agencies provide throughout the year.
Items requested are used to stock backpacks for students in need, items for the non-food pantry at Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, toiletry supplies for Family Crisis Center, pantry staples for the Hoisington Food Bank, as well as supplies for the individual agencies to use throughout the year to help keep expenses down. School supplies donated will not only support local backpack programs, but also be distributed to the school districts to have additional supplies on hand throughout the year.
“The generosity of our communities never ceases to amaze me," said Charell Owings, UWCK executive director. "The number of individuals and businesses who donate each year is humbling. The impact of this event is far-reaching, touching youth heading off to school, the elderly who don’t have the funds for hygiene supplies, and victims of violence who need a safe place to heal. These donations affect so many in our community and UWCK is proud to continue bringing this program to Barton County.”
Dianne Call has been the Stuff the Bus coordinator in Great Bend for years. Kay Wilbur is also a great asset who helps organize everything once all the supplies are in. Toni Schneweis and the entire group at the Hoisington Community Food Bank have taken this event and ran with it.
"These women see the impact of the program and are the reason why this is successful each year," said Owings. "We also rely on our Community Partners and community volunteers to help encourage donations at each of our locations; Wal Mart, Dillons, Town & Country Supermarket and Dollar General-Hoisington. The partnership with USD 428 and USD 431 is also integral-those buses parked in front of the stores catches the eye and inspires people to donate."
For more information on how UWCK is impacting the community you can follow United Way of Central Kansas on Facebook, check out their website, www.uwck.org or give them a call at 620-792-2403.