United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) announced the awarding of $2,750 in Impact Grants to five local organizations working to meet immediate needs and strengthen families across Barton and Pawnee Counties. These mini-grants support projects that directly benefit children, families, and individuals facing barriers in our communities.

This cycle’s Impact Grant recipients include: 

Central Kansas Dream Center, $1,000 - Blessings Pantry

Funding will support the Dream Center’s Blessings Pantry, which provides monthly food boxes containing nonperishable items and frozen meat to individuals and families in need. 

Ellinwood Community, $500 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner & Food/Clothing Drive

The Ellinwood community hosted a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26 at the American Legion, paired with a food and winter clothing drive. Collected items—including hats, gloves, coats, and other essentials—will support local families as colder weather approaches.

Hoisington High School, $500 - Personal Hygiene Items for Student Bathrooms

Hoisington High School will stock all eight school bathrooms with hygiene baskets containing deodorant, toothbrushes with toothpaste, floss, mints, lotion, and other personal care items. This project ensures students have access to essential items when needed, helping promote confidence, comfort, and wellbeing throughout the school day.

Youth Crew-A Task Force of Central Kansas Partnership, $250 - Lei Off Tobacco

This spring awareness project educates youth on the risks of tobacco use through presentations, activities, and school wide engagement. Students receive Hawaiian leis as symbols of unity and commitment to a tobacco-free lifestyle, paired with educational competitions and discussions about teen tobacco trends.

St. Johns’ Episcopal Church, $500 - Feeding the Children

This initiative provides boxes filled with easy-to-prepare breakfast and lunch items for children at risk of food insecurity during school breaks.

“United Way is honored to support these meaningful community-driven projects,” said Charell Owings, executive director. “Each of these organizations is meeting real needs for families across our region, and these grants help stretch their impact even further.”

UWCK Impact Grants are made possible thanks to generous donors whose contributions stay local and support programs addressing education, health, and financial stability.

For more information about United Way’s impact or how to support future initiatives, visit www.uwck.org.