by Mary Rupert
United Way of Wyandotte County flags were raised in downtown Kansas City, Kan., today to launch the Unified Government’s United Way campaign.
Four United Way of Wyandotte County flags are now flying in front of the Wyandotte County Courthouse and in front of City Hall on 7th Street. A program with brief remarks was held on the courthouse steps, and afterward, United Way gave out Valentine’s cookies from MeMa’s Bakery to those attending.
The chairman of this year’s United Way of Wyandotte County campaign, Sheriff Don Ash, said the United Way is an opportunity to contribute once and help more than 30 different agencies provide more than 50 programs in Wyandotte County.
Ash said the three main areas of United Way fit in with the goals of the Unified Government. The main areas are nurturing children and families, helping them meet basic needs, and improving health and the quality of life.
Mayor Mark Holland said the United Way agencies are able to help with real needs.
“The money you give to United Way is so much more significant than the money you can give to someone on the street,” Holland said.
Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree said to deal with crime, there must be education, better health and financial stability. United Way can connect people with the resources they need to improve their lives.
Cindy Cash, director of resource development for the United Way of Wyandotte County, said United Way has received the approval of 36 UG departments, offices or shifts to make presentations about the campaign. The United Way campaign can be at different times of the year for different organizations, and the campaign for the UG runs from Feb. 14 through March 14, Cash said.
