UPDATE: The United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) has just wrapped up its successful 2025 initiatives, marking significant achievements in the Golden Belt region. Executive Director Charell Owings delivered key updates during the recent Larned Chamber Coffee Hour, revealing vital statistics and future needs.
In an effort to support families in the area, UWCK successfully partnered with the Larned Lions Club for the 50-year-old Christmas Basket program. This collaboration underscores the importance of community support during the holiday season.
The final Laundry Love event of 2025 took place on December 20, in Great Bend, supported by the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend campus. Over the course of the year, the program washed and dried an impressive 1,500 loads of laundry, connecting families with essential community resources like the Family Crisis Center and Catholic Charities. “We are building trusting relationships,” Owings emphasized, noting that many families feel comfortable seeking help through these initiatives.
Each Laundry Love session allows families to have five loads of laundry washed and dried, but Owings admits to being flexible, often assisting families with additional loads. In one instance, a family brought in 28 loads in August, highlighting the urgent need for this service. “We’ve helped people get jobs and connect them with necessary services,” she remarked.
The Laundry Love program will pause and resume in February 2026, but in the meantime, UWCK is gearing up for its next big event. Great Bend Middle School is set to host 8th- and 10th-graders for the upcoming Reality U simulation, which serves students from Larned, Kinsley, Pawnee Heights, and Otis-Bison. However, the program is currently in need of sponsors. “Fifteen hundred dollars covers the cost of the program, before we feed our volunteers,” Owings stated, emphasizing the critical need for funding to ensure the event runs smoothly.
As UWCK closes the chapter on 2025, local community members are encouraged to consider supporting these vital programs that directly impact families in need. With the urgency of upcoming events and the critical resources required, now is the time to get involved and make a difference in the Golden Belt.
Stay tuned for more updates as UWCK continues to drive impactful initiatives in Central Kansas.