URGENT UPDATE: United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) has officially concluded its impactful 2025 programs, marking significant achievements just days before the year’s end. During last week’s Larned Chamber Coffee Hour, Executive Director Charell Owings shared key highlights, including the successful completion of the 50-year-old Christmas Basket program in partnership with the Larned Lions Clubs.
In a powerful wrap-up, UWCK celebrated the final Laundry Love event of the year, held on December 20, 2025, in Great Bend. This initiative, sponsored by the University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend campus, has washed and dried over 1,500 loads of laundry since its inception.
“We are building trusting relationships with families who utilize the program,” Owings stated. “We connect them with essential resources like the Family Crisis Center, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities.” This initiative not only provides practical support but also fosters a sense of community among those in need.
Owings noted the program’s flexibility, revealing her commitment to assist families beyond the standard five loads of laundry per session. “I will often do more than five loads,” she admitted. At an August event, UWCK helped one family with an astonishing 28 loads of laundry. “We’ve helped people get jobs and connected them with vital services,” she added, highlighting the profound impact of the program.
Looking ahead, UWCK is gearing up for the Reality U program, set to take place at Great Bend Middle School. This event will engage 8th- and 10th-graders from Larned, Kinsley, Pawnee Heights, and Otis-Bison, simulating real-world financial challenges to prepare them for future independence. “We are still looking for sponsors,” Owings urged, as $1,500 is needed to cover the program’s costs before providing meals for volunteers.
As UWCK wraps up a year filled with meaningful programs, the community is urged to support these initiatives that make a difference. The Laundry Love program will resume in February 2026, and more details will follow as they continue to serve the Golden Belt region.
Stay tuned for more updates on how UWCK is transforming lives and fostering community connections as we move into the new year.
