GREAT BEND, Kan. — On Thursday, January 16th, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK), celebrating their new office location at 2000 Washington Avenue in Great Bend. The event also served as an opportunity to spotlight UWCK’s upcoming Box of Love initiative, a heartwarming project designed to bring joy and kindness to homebound seniors across Barton and Pawnee Counties.
The Box of Love campaign, presented in partnership with TruStage, AllStaff, Chtd., and University of Kansas Health System-Great Bend Campus, is expected to deliver 500 boxes this year. Each box will include Valentine’s Day goodie bags filled with treats, essentials, and handmade Valentine’s cards. Boxes will be delivered to homebound seniors receiving Meals on Wheels or ElderCare Home Services, as well as to residents of local senior centers and nursing homes.
“For just $15, community members can sponsor a Box of Love to brighten a senior’s day,” said Charell Owings, Executive Director at United Way of Central Kansas. “This simple gesture can make a world of difference to those who may feel isolated or alone.”
What makes the Box of Love project particularly special is the personal touch added by volunteers from daycare centers, schools, youth organizations, and individuals who create homemade Valentine’s Day cards. These heartfelt messages bring warmth and connection to the recipients, reminding them that they are cherished by their community.
Each Box of Love is thoughtfully prepared with a mix of fun and practical items, including comforting treats and small everyday essentials, ensuring recipients feel both cared for and celebrated this Valentine’s Day.
To support this program and send love to a senior in need, visit www.uwck.org/box-love to sponsor a box today.
United Way of Central Kansas is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening the community by connecting people, resources, and ideas to create lasting change. From educational programs to campaigns like Box of Love, UWCK continues to uplift and inspire those in need across Barton and Pawnee Counties.
For more information about United Way of Central Kansas, visit www.uwck.org.
