To the editor:

On behalf of the United Way of Central Kansas Board of Directors, staff and Community Partners, we would like to thank the Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood communities for supporting this year’s Stuff the Bus event.

Each year, items are collected: school supplies for backpacks, shelf-stable food for the Food Banks and miscellaneous supplies needed to offset expenses by the Community Partners serving local area. Most impressive this year, was the outpouring of cash and gift card donations as well as the donations collected from several businesses who collected items at their workplace.

All of this cannot take place without the generosity of time donated from almost 70 volunteers, utilizing SignUp Genius through Volunteers in Action/Americorp Senior. We are so appreciative for the partnership we have with Walmart, Dillons, Town and Country Supermarket, Ellinwood Family Foods and Dollar General where the events are held and of course we could not be more proud of working with USD 428, USD 431 and USD 355 schools, allowing us to use the yellow school buses.

In the days to come, behind the scenes, inventory of donated items will take place and there is much excitement to finalize the results. Again, thank you all for your kindness and generosity.  

Gaila Demel, Executive Director, United Way of Central Kansas