Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 "Virtual" United Way Workplace Campaign. While this year looked a little different, many of you choose to support the needs of our community by donating to the United Way and the 22 agencies they serve through a payroll deduction or one-time gift.

The District Education Center had the highest percentage of participation and earned a Freddy's Sundae Bar. Below are the campaign results. Remember, it's not the size of the gift that matters - participation is the key!

USD 428 Workplace Campaign Results:

2021 Total Pledge from USD 428 Employees - $7,512.00

109 Givers

Participation by Building (Percentage of Staff Participating)

DEC - 40.91%

Central Kitchen - 40.00%

Lincoln - 31.91%

Washington - 27.27%

GBMS - 23.33%

Jefferson - 23.40%

Park - 20.00%

GBHS - 14.17%

Riley - 7.25%

Eisenhower - 8.33%

Great Bend High School’s KAY Club hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, March 31. Student volunteers supported the professional staff as they collected 37 units of blood from both student and staff donors.

“We were so happy that the district allowed the American Red Cross to come in and let us help them with the drive,” said Karen Clark, GBHS teacher and KAY sponsor. “For many students this is their first experience donating blood, and we know a positive first experience can create lifelong donors. The American Red Cross staff is so patient and understanding of the students' nerves and apprehensions, they do a great job making it as stress-free as possible for donors.”

In a year where health and safety precautions have limited visitors in buildings and community service opportunities, Clark shared that students are eager and ready to serve the community.

“I believe students are motivated to serve because they understand the need,” said Clark.

Referencing one of the KAY mottos, “work made fun gets done,” Clark reiterated the importance of helping students find ways to enjoy community service opportunities, shaping their attitudes and behaviors for years to come.

KAY, Kansas Association for Youth, is a character-building, leadership-training, services organization that has served thousands of Kansas students over the past 70 years. For more information about the GBHS KAY Club, please contact Karen Clark, club sponsor, at Great Bend High School, 620-793-1521.