As 2026 begins, United Way of Central Kansas is wrapping up donations for its annual campaign and inviting donors to step forward and join the work of strengthening families across Central Kansas.
Many of the households served by United Way of Central Kansas are ALICE families – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are neighbors who are working, raising families, and contributing to their communities, yet living paycheck to paycheck. One unexpected expense can quickly turn stability into crisis.
“ALICE families are doing everything right, but the math simply doesn’t work,” said Charell Owings, Executive Director of United Way of Central Kansas. “Our role is to ensure they’re not navigating those challenges alone—and that support is available before a setback becomes a long-term hardship.”
Through donor support, United Way of Central Kansas creates measurable, local impact. In the past year alone, UWCK distributed $100,000 to community partner agencies, supporting essential services such as food assistance, rent and utility help, crisis intervention, and services for seniors and families. Family stability programs like Laundry Love provided more than 2,400 loads of laundry for over 800 individuals, easing financial stress while restoring dignity. Early literacy initiatives like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continue to put free, age-appropriate books into the hands of young children each month, while youth financial education programs such as Reality U and #RealWorld prepare students to make informed decisions about their futures.
United Way of Central Kansas is currently 95% of the way toward its $225,000 campaign goal. These final dollars are critical to sustaining programs and ensuring local nonprofits can continue meeting the growing needs in Barton and Pawnee Counties.
Donations made by Jan. 31 will help close the gap and carry this work into the year ahead.
Community members can donate online at www.uwck.org/donate or by mailing a check.
“Now is the moment for supporters to step in,” Owings added. “Together, we can help families not just survive – but thrive.”
For more information about United Way of Central Kansas, visit www.uwck.org.
