2023 Projects

Women Who Lead (WWL) completed 26 projects in 2023, making an undeniable impact in the community. The many projects were made possible by the generosity of caring sponsors, individuals, and the commitment of all our members. 

WOMEN WHO FEED PROJECTS

USD #489 FOOD AND CLOTHING PANTRY (February, March, April & August)

WWL members were informed of a dire need for food items, clothing, and toiletries for students in the school district.  Members brought items to membership meetings, filling the pantries.

FHSU FOOD PANTRY (September)

WWL was notified of FHSU Food Pantry shelves being almost empty and unable to serve the students in need at the university. WWL members brought food, toiletries and paper goods to the September membership meeting in an effort to meet the need.  Meeting attendance is generally 40-50 members, thus enabling the pantry to be filled quickly.

MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS PROJECTS

CAMBER KIDS CHRISTMAS (December)

Women Who Lead provided Christmas gifts for the 38 children being served by Camber Childrens Mental Health Hospital in Hays. It was an unexpected surprise for the children, many of whom said it was the “Best Christmas Ever!” Camber provides psychiatric residential mental health inpatient treatment for children ages 6-18 years of age.

WOMEN WHO LEAD PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

HAYS AREA CHILDREN’S CENTER SANITIZING SYSTEM (March)

WWL donated $500 for Hays Area Children’s Center to purchase a sanitizing system for the center. WWL is interested in future projects that will address child care needs in Ellis County.

ARC PARK CLEAN UP (April)

WWL volunteered to clean the ARC Park to get it ready it for warmer days and the opening the Splash Pad for the summer. The morning was spent picking up trash, empty soda bottles, etc.

AUNT FLO PROJECT (May)

WWL was surprised to learn from Hays High School Student Council that HHS did not have any feminine product dispensers in any of their girls’ bathrooms.  They requested our help.  The Aunt Flo Project provided the school with three machines (with the WWL logo) and a year’s supply of products.  WWL is looking at adding more dispensers and donations of products in local middle schools in 2024.

STAR SUMMER PROJECT (June through August)

The Star Summer Project provided children with 8 weeks of fun activities to help build confidence and learning new skills.  WWL also provided Sno-Cones at the kick-off and purchased prizes for the Treasure Chest that awards the kids throughout the summer for stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new challenges.

BACKPACKS FOR KIDS – July

Members donated new backpacks and school supplies for the Back Packs for Kids program at First Call for Help.  A list was provided to members, resulting in more than 40 members donating numerous items.

BORN LEARNING TRAIL IN ELLIS (August)

The “Born Learning Trail” at Creekside Park in Ellis was completed in August. The trail, a series of 10 colorful interactive signs describe fun learning activities along the trail for children with their families and caregivers. WWL members and community volunteers installed the trail through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Ellis and Dr. Paul and Jennifer Teget Foundation.  A Born Learning Trail at Sunrise Park in Hays was the first project completed by WWL in 2018.

CYBER SECURITY PROJECT (September)

In an effort to inform the community about the dangers of the internet, WWL partnered with FHSU, Ellis County Health Department and schools in Ellis County to bring Russ Tuttle, respected speaker and founder of “The Stop Trafficking Project”, to Hays.  A presentation was given for parents, teachers, and individuals at Beach-Schmidt auditorium, followed by age-appropriate presentations for Ellis County students the following day. Partners of the project included Ellis County Health Dept, FHSU, and schools in Ellis County.

TENTS FOR SCOUTS (November)

WWL provided $2,000 to Scout Troop 101 to purchase 8 new quality tents for youth in the local scouting programs.  It will replace old tents that were old, leaking, and showing signs of wear. The tents will be made available to all scout troops (boys and girls) for their use.

TOYS FOR TOTS (December)

WWL partnered with Thirsty’s to provide toys for area children through the Maine Corp Toys for Tots program.  Members donate 97 new toys for the initiative. Additionally, the organization donated $500 to Early Childhood Connections for the purchase coats and boots for children in their program.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – ARC PARK SECURITY PROJECT (Completed March)

Due to vandalism at the ARC Park, WWL implemented the “Lights, Camera, Action” project to provide lighting and security cameras to alleviate the problem, provide more hours of play, and increase safety.  Partners of the project included Hays Parks Department, Vyve Broadband, Stanion Wholesale Electric Company and the Heartland Community Foundation.  

BROKEN BRIDES PROJECT (April)

Broken Brides Project made its debut at the Spring Art Walk and will become a traveling exhibit through a partnership with Options. It is an art installation that brings awareness to abusive relationships and helps to recognize red flags. WWL also provided first aid kits with the WWL logo and Options phone number.

HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS’ APPRECIATION – May

WWL assisted HaysMed during “Hospital Week” in thanking nurses, doctors and associates for their dedication to our community.  Members worked the day-long event and provided over 1,000 cookies with the WWL logo. 

“LIGHTING THE DOG PARK” (November)

Lighting for the dog park was the number one request to the City of Hays Parks Department.  Residents wanted to take their dogs to the park early in the morning before work (and after work for those that work later in the evening), thus the need for if the park had lights.  There have been reports of coyotes in the park after dark and lighting would help alleviate the problem.  Partners for the project included Midwest Energy, City of Hays Parks Dept., local businesses, WWL and members of the community.

SHOPPING CARTS FOR COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER (November)

The Community Assistance Center was in need of shopping carts to assist clients who do not have a car, making it difficult transporting canned goods and heavier food items home.  They have had carts in the past, however due to age and use, they only had a few carts in service and were in need of more. Women Who Lead purchased 10 carts for the Community Assistance Center.

CHRISTMAS MAGIC (December)

WWL donated $1,000 to Christmas Magic, an initiative created by Janese Koshiol that provides gift bags annually to veterans, home bound elderly and others who may not be remembered by family. There were 120 bags donated at a cost of $45 per bag.

CHAMBER WELCOME BASKETS (Began in 2020)

WWL provides items for the Hays Chamber Welcome Baskets that are given to new residents in Hays. Brochures inform the newcomers of the many projects WWL do to benefit the community and also give the gift of a pink Women Who Lead ink pen and notepad.

ENCORE SERIES FHSU (Began in 2022)

WWL members have volunteered to serve as ushers for FHSU Encore Series the past few years with members agreeing to continue volunteering their time for another year (2024-2025) as a way to “give back” to our community while providing visibility to the many projects of WWL.

ELDER CARE PROJECTS

Valentine’s Party for Residents of Homestead & Brookdale Senior Living (February)

The Elder Care Committee made 70 plus home-made valentines for the residents and brought them to the membership meeting for members to write personal notes on each of the cards with their signature. The committee also brought cookies for the staff.

Prom Night at Via Christi (April)

The Elder Care Committee assisted with “Prom Night” by volunteering to help the women residents get ready for the event by doing their hair & makeup.

Patriotic Wreaths at Homestead, Centennial Towers & Brookdale Senior Living (May)

The Elder Care Committee helped residents make Patriotic Wreaths for their doors at Homestead, Centennial Towers and Brookdale Senior Living for Memorial Day through July 4th.

Raised Garden Beds & Bird Houses (June)

The committee built raised garden beds for the residents of Via Christi and Good Samaritan Assisted Living last year. In 2023, the committee planted a Salsa Garden for Good Sam’s and a flower garden for Via Christi’s raised planters. They also donated bird seed for the bird feeders.

“MED READY” MEDICINE DISPENSING MACHINES (July)

WWL provided five medicine dispensers ($750) to clients of DSNWK independent living. The dispensers have an alarm and dispenses the proper dosage at the correct time ensuring clients take the correct dose and not over medicate or forget to take the meds, allowing clients to continue to live independently.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING (December)

WWL Who Lead members entertained residents of Via Christie with Christmas caroling following a membership meeting.  The residents responded by telling WWL how much they enjoyed the songs that brought back such happy memories of themselves caroling when they were younger.

WOMEN WHO LEAD SIGNATURE PROJECTS (ON-GOING)

MATTHEW’S GIFT

Matthew’s Gift provides a tote bag filled with necessary items to families of emergency transport patients being moved from HaysMed to another medical facility.  Families often do not have time for preparation and often must leave without a moment’s notice as their loved one is flown to another facility better equipped to offer the necessary medical attention.  Matthew’s Gift provides such necessities as a fleece blanket, toiletries, snacks, puzzle books, paper/pen, gas card, and other items and is made possible through individual and business sponsors wishing to bring comfort to families in need.

 Matthew’s Gift is named in honor of three-year old Matthew Wellbrock, son of Curtis and Jeanna Wellbrock. In September 2016, Matthew was tragically injured and subsequently transferred from HaysMed to receive critical care at another facility. Matthew’s Gift is made possible through individual and business sponsors wishing to bring comfort to families in need. There are over 100 transfers each year and the project will continue as long as financially viable.

PROJECT SUITCASE

When children require emergency removal from their home and are taken to a foster care home, they often leave with just the clothes on their back and whatever they can quickly find to take with them. Project Suitcase provides the gift of a duffle bag to each child containing a soft blanket, stuffed animal, new pajamas and underwear, toys, toiletries and a McDonalds gift card.

Partnerships with law enforcement and social service agencies allow the bag to be given at the time (or shortly thereafter) to each child.  The response from foster parents have been overwhelmingly positive and report the duffle bag provides comfort during a stressful time. There are approximately 150 – 175 children requiring removal each year. The project is made possible through donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and WWL members and volunteers.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GIRLS

Women Who Lead established a scholarship fund in 2022 as an effort to help girls seeking post-secondary education, but unable to afford the costs of continuing their education. To qualify, each awardee must reside in Ellis County and enroll at FHSU, NWKTC, Hays Academy of Hair Design, or other trade school in Ellis County.  Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded for 2022-2023 school year. The project is funded by a cash raffle (31 Days of Cash Raffle) and through individuals and businesses who specify their donation be used solely for scholarships.

POWER OF THE PURSE ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Power of the Purse is the annual fundraiser for Women Who Lead. High-end handbags are donated by local businesses and WWL members, in addition to a few purchases by the organization. The event features an elegant venue, enjoyable dinner and distinguished speaker. There is also a raffle, silent auction, and live auction of the many purses. Proceeds from the event, in addition to the generous yearly sponsors of WWL, enables our organization to provide the many projects to the community.