Wichita, show you care: New United Way event over spring break focuses on donations
Members of the Wichita community are invited to help those in need during a special event hosted by the city and United Way of the Plains Thursday, March 16.
The 316 Day of Caring event is an opportunity for Wichitans to participate in activities to benefit community members in need. The event will be held at Century II from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the breezeway between Expo Hall and the convention hall. Participants are asked to enter on the east side.
“Establishing this new annual event is also one of the many ways we are celebrating 100 years of our organization partnering with other nonprofits to support the people of south-central Kansas,” CEO of United Way of the Plains Pete Najera said in a Thursday news release. “The activities we’ve put together don’t directly benefit United Way of the Plains but help five area nonprofits who need assistance to continue their important work.”
The event is called 316 Day of Caring to not only reflect the date it takes place, March 16, but also Wichita’s area code. It’s also being held to commemorate United Way of the Plain’s 100th year, Najera said.
The date falls during spring break, which was done so younger people can participate as well, the release said.
Abel Frederic, United Way’s vice president of community impact, said in a phone interview with the Eagle the Wichita community has always been generous.
“We wanted another touch point for the community to be able to harness the caring power of the community,” Frederic said. “Wichita is very generous when it comes to donating their ... dollars. But this opportunity is to ... donate more of their time. And it also allows us to highlight some of our partners.”
Frederic said planning for the event started when the city went to United Way with the idea. He said he sees the potential for growth.
“This initiative, we want it to be annual,” Frederic said. “So, you know, we’re starting off with five of our partners, but in truth, I would love to see this grow, year [after] year.”
The event hosts several opportunities to donate the following:
Blood: Give blood in the American Red Cross’ blood drive. You have to sign up in advance to participate.
Hygiene items: Donate bar soap, shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper to Giving the Basics.
Nonperishable food items: Donate mac and cheese, ramen and peanut butter to United Methodist Open Door’s food pantry.
Winter scarves, mittens, hats: Donate winter necessities to The Salvation Army.
If you want to go a step further, Girl Scout Troop 40786 will be selling cookies, as it’s the last week of Girl Scout cookie sales.
Whoever makes a donation will get a Day of Caring sticker.
