Charell Owings, the Executive Director of United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK), recently had the privilege of hosting the Ellinwood Chamber coffee at Sunflower Bank in Ellinwood to discuss several exciting community initiatives. The gathering took place as a part of the preparations for the upcoming ice cream social, which will be a highlight of the First Home Eagle Game on Sept. 15.

The ice cream social is a highly anticipated event in the community, and UWCK will be hosting it during half-time of the upcoming Eagle Game. This event promises to be a delightful occasion for all attendees, combining the excitement of the game with sweet treats and a sense of community.

In addition to sharing details about the ice cream social, Owings also provided updates on several important programs and initiatives that UWCK is actively involved in: 

Reality U: UWCK announces that the Reality U program will return to Ellinwood in January. This program is designed to empower 8th graders with practical life skills, financial literacy, and a deeper understanding of real-world scenarios.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Owings shared news about the continued partnership with The Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Ellinwood Community Library, which provides free books to children in the community, promoting early childhood literacy and a love for reading.

Stuff The Bus: UWCK remains committed to the Stuff The Bus initiative for their Ellinwood partners, which helps provide essential school supplies to local students in need, ensuring they have the tools necessary for academic success. 

Laundry Love Program: Owings also highlighted the Laundry Love Program, an essential service that assists individuals and families by covering the costs of laundry facilities, making this basic necessity more accessible to everyone in our community.

United Way of Central Kansas is dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community, and these initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact.