Giving brightens season

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But judging from the impressive success of the United Way of the Plains fall campaign, south-central Kansans already are feeling the season’s spirit and sharing their blessings – inclined to contribute as they can to brighten not only the holidays but the everyday lives of their needy neighbors.

The United Way announced Friday at Century II that it had reached its $15.1 million fundraising goal. The target had been scaled back from 2013’s final tally of $15.6 million, with organizers prudently considering that some one-time gifts couldn’t be expected this year and that Wichita has changed since the days when three shifts of Boeing workers were involved in United Way campaigns.

The latest achievement wasn’t without extra effort either, as campaign chairwoman Jackie Wise said some donors were asked if they could step up their support to help reach the target.

But the campaign more than succeeded, showing again that people understand what United Way of the Plains does and what it means for the 35 area agencies it serves and the 96,000 people they serve.

All who pledged and donated can take pride in helping others while demonstrating that the local economy still may be healing but generosity is robust.

Because of them, the United Way will be able to keep advancing its goals of helping children reach their potential, promoting financial stability and improving health.

Though the Wichita area got more good news Friday with the unemployment rate’s sharp decline to 4.6 percent in October, from 5.2 percent in September, the community still has 16,000 fewer people working than in 2008.

Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Operation Holiday and other nonprofit efforts will need to have strong campaigns this holiday season.

But one encouraging sign is how donations are going for Share the Season, the joint project of the Salvation Army, Wichita Community Foundation and The Eagle marking its 15th year.

The Eagle’s articles highlighting those applying for the program, which offers one-time help to people experiencing unexpected hardships, won’t begin until Thanksgiving Day. But as of Friday, donations had reached $60,000. In 2013, more than 1,100 donors helped 200 families, with fundraising totaling $258,000. Contributions can be made through PayPal at www.sharetheseason.org or mailed to Share the Season, Wichita Community Foundation, 301 N. Main, Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67202.

The Eagle and Kansas.com also are readying the annual holiday wish list for publication on Nov. 30. It’s a great way for nonprofit social service organizations in Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties to connect with new donors and volunteers, not just over the holidays but year-round. Groups can fill out online forms at Kansas.com/holidays until 5 p.m. Monday.

If there is a lot of need out there, each United Way campaign and holiday giving season proves that there is plenty of caring, too.

For the editorial board, Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published November 22, 2014 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Giving brightens season."