The United Way

by Dalton Black, executive director

When I think about what it means to be rooted in community, I can’t help but go back to my childhood in rural north central Kansas. Friday nights under the stadium lights felt like the whole town gathered in one place. Neighbors sat shoulder to shoulder, kids ran around freely, and you could feel that sense of belonging in your bones.

That experience taught me something I still carry today: community isn’t just where you live. It’s where you find connection, support, and a shared story. And it’s also where you notice the quiet struggles. Families working hard but still falling behind. Neighbors going without. Kids who don’t always get the same opportunities.

When I stepped into the role of Executive Director at United Way, I found myself searching for that same connection again, just in a new way. I met people who welcomed me in and reminded me that our community’s greatest strength is our willingness to come together when it matters most.

And that “coming together” has a name. It’s philanthropy.

Philanthropy isn’t just a word we use at banquets or fundraisers. It’s alive here in Harvey and Marion Counties. It’s the neighbor who quietly mails a check. It’s the volunteer who gives an afternoon to sort food or mentor a child. It’s the business owner who believes giving back is part of being a good citizen.

At United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties, we get to see the ripple effect of that generosity every day. When families face food insecurity, our Resource Navigators step in. When local partners gather around the table to tackle housing or childcare, philanthropy makes that collaboration possible.

Here’s the thing I love most: this kind of giving builds momentum. One person gives, and it sparks another. A group of volunteers shows up, and suddenly a community project becomes possible. Small gifts and big gifts alike add up to real change, right here at home.

And right now, we’re at one of those moments when timing matters.

Today, December 31, is the last day to make a gift that can be eligible for a 2025 tax deduction. If you’ve been thinking about making a year-end donation, this is your nudge. Your gift helps keep families from falling through the cracks, strengthens the programs that support our neighbors, and invests in the future of Harvey and Marion Counties.

Philanthropy here isn’t about wealth. It’s about will. It’s about saying, “I want to be part of something bigger than myself.”

If you’re able, I’d be honored if you’d make your year-end gift today.

Give today: uwhmc.org/donation

Quick note: Online gifts made by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and checks postmarked by December 31 are typically counted for the 2025 tax year. As always, consult your tax advisor for your situation.