2025 Projects
Women Who Lead (WWL) continues to make an undeniable impact in our community with projects that make a profound difference for residents of all ages. In 2025, WWL completed over 75 projects which were made possible through the generosity of caring sponsors, individuals, and the commitment of all our members. Together, we are making a positive difference in our community, one project at a time.
WOMEN WHO FEED PROJECTS
MEAL KITS – Monthly
The Women Who Feed Committee provides 20 ready-to-prepare meal kits per month to First Call for Help in an effort to relieve the food insecurity many families are facing. Each kit, at an approximate cost of $20 each, will feed 8 people.
SPAGHETTI DINNERS PLUS – January and May
Women Who Lead contributed again this year to Feeding Hays, an initiative operated by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. The initiative provides a spaghetti dinner each Thursday evening with many WWL members volunteering their time to help serve the weekly meals. In January, WWL sponsored a meal by purchasing the groceries, preparing and serving chili, cinnamon rolls and carrot-sticks to 265 people. The committee again sponsored in May with groceries, cooking and serving 275 taco meals.
MEALS ON WHEELS – Quarterly
Last year, there were only two Meals on Wheels routes in operation with a critical need for another route so more clients would have access to a hot meal. First Call for Help, in cooperation with HaysMed, coordinates the local program to serve elderly and those who are home-bound. To implement another route, a “hot box” was needed at a cost of $700 in addition to adding additional volunteers necessary to deliver the meals. Women Who Lead not only purchased the hot box, but membership also committed to having the 10 volunteers necessary for delivery.
OXFORD HOUSE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN – May
Women Who Feed surprised the children at the Midnight Oxford House with a Summer Fun tote filled with snacks, outdoor games, swimming pool play toys, sunscreens, and Hays Aquatic Park pool passes (donated by Hays Rec). The new Oxford House is the first in Hays that can accommodate women and their children, providing a safe environment for both mothers and their children.
SENIOR SUPPER AND SOCIAL – October and December
The Women Who Feed Committee hosted a free Senior Supper and Social in October for senior citizens at the Bob and Pat Schmidt Community Center with over 50 people in attendance. Another one was held in December with entertainment provided by singing traditional Christmas Carols. Food was also taken following the event to EMS and law enforcement.
SUPPORTING SGT. SCOTT HEIMANN FAMILY – October
Women Who Lead donated $200 to Grater Whey to help provide 3 months of meals for Sgt. Scott Heimann family.
STOCKING LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES – January, May, June, and August
- Ellis Food Pantry – To help with food insecurity, Women Who Lead provided two $500 Dillons gift cards to the Ellis Outreach Committee to purchase and provide weekly food bags for the Ellis open pantry.
- First Call for Help Food Pantry – Women Who Lead participated in the annual Battle of the Businesses for the second year by helping to fill the empty shelves at First Call for Help during the summer months. Our organization donated $500 to purchase non-perishable food items and members also brought bags of food to the June monthly membership meeting, resulting in 2,064 items to be given to those with food insecurity.
- FHSU Food Pantry – Women Who Lead brought non-perishable items to the August meeting to restock the food pantry for the fall semester with the intent to stock the pantry again in January when students return for the spring semester.
3-D Women – Dynamic Donation Dames Food Delivery to Schools and Non-profit Agencies – Year Round
The 3-D Committee is a volunteer group that picks up bakery and deli items that are nearing the expiration date from Dillons and distributes the food to schools and local non-profit agencies. WWL members signed up to help the group in making the weekly deliveries and are exploring other ways to help those experiencing food insecurity.
ELLIS SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM – May
Women Who Lead donated $1,500 in Dillon Gift Cards to Ellis to purchase food for kids in Ellis during the summer.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONNECTIONS WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACKS – December
USD 489 Early Childhood Connections is a child development, parenting and family services program that serving children and families, including a preschool-aged at-risk program. WWL was made aware that there were children who experienced anxiety about not having enough food on weekends. WWL voted to provide backpacks of food for each child in need in 2024. While they have found funding sources to keep this program going on for future years, the loss of SNAP benefits in 2025 cause additional expenses. Women Who Lead provided $2,500 to help cover those extra costs.
MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS PROJECTS
SOOTHING KITS – January & October
For many people, anxiety is a major issue, exhibiting itself with the heart pounding and thoughts racing and can feel overwhelming. A soothing kit contains different items that engage all the senses (touch, smell, sight, sound and hearing, thus providing the means to effectively manage anxiety. In January, WWL provided 100 kits to mental health professionals, schools, and counselors who requested the kits. Due to the positive response, more kits were delivered in October.
STOP BULLYING PROJECT February & October
The City of Hays Youth Advisory Committee, in partnership with Women Who Lead, hosted a Stop Bullying event in February at TMP. Community partners included Kaley Conner from High Plains Mental Health, Mason Ruder (TMP alumnus) and Sheriff Scott Braun who spoke about the challenges teens face with mental health and cyberbullying. The program is projected to be held for Hay High School Freshman and Juniors soon with another one held for Sophomores and Seniors in the spring of 2026.
CAMBER KIDS’ PROJECTS – February, April, October & December
Camber Children’s Mental Health Hospital offers psychiatric residential treatment and inpatient mental health care for children aged 6 to 18 dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health conditions. Women Who Lead partnered with Camber to help make holidays brighter by providing everything to make for a fun celebration on Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Treats and activities with the theme of the holiday, and decorations were provided in addition to treats for staff in appreciation for their dedication to the youth. In December, WWL partnered with Thirsty’s and hosted a Christmas lunch with Santa with gifts were given to each child.
“CAN WE JUST TALK” PROJECT – March, June, July, August
Breathe Coffee House hosts a weekly session on Thursdays that encourages those experiencing loneliness, frustrations and a need to talk to someone an opportunity to share their thoughts. The Mental Health Committee participated in an awareness event in March and expanded the partnership by providing counselors and volunteers for the summer months.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK PROJECT – September
Women Who Lead sponsored and participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk to Prevent Suicide in September with members raising money and walking to promote awareness.
WOMEN WHO LEAD PROJECTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SUNRISE PARK – On-going Project
Women Who Lead learned that Sunrise Park (next to Roosevelt Elementary School), built in 1964, did not have a sponsor and was in desperate need of repair. With the original sign deteriorating and playground equipment aging, the park was long overdue for an update. WWL members voted to “adopt” the park in July, 2024 and became the official sponsor of Sunrise Park with the aim to bring the park back to life, bring the neighborhood children back to play, and provide new opportunities for children to make lasting memories.
The project will be completed in phases over a 2–3-year period. The first phase included the installation of a new sign with solar lights and landscaping, a 9-hole disc course and kiosk with course maps, ball field improvements for two fields, and a new basketball court. Phase 1 is nearing completion and Phase 2 has begun with the replacement of aging playground equipment.
HAYS PUBLIC LIBRARY TEEN ADVISORY BOARD PROJECTS – January and April
The Teen Advisory Board is a group of Middle School and High School students that look for projects to benefit local school children. In January, the group of teens approached Women Who Lead to help with their new project to provide Winter Survival Kits containing a pair of gloves, stocking hat or warm headband, Chapstick and hand warmers for those in need. WWL donated $250, allowing the group to reach their goal. In April, WWL contributed another $250 for Summer Kits that contain hygiene items (body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, lotion and female products).
AUNT FLO PROJECT – January & October
Women Who Lead was contacted by Hays High School Student Council in 2023 for help in providing feminine product dispensers for the girls’ bathrooms. At the time, there were NO dispensers in the school. WWL purchased three machines and a year’s supply of products. An additional 3 dispensers were purchased in 2024 so all the girls’ bathrooms would have feminine product dispensers and supplies. WWL provided feminine products for all six machines in 2025.
HAYS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL PROJECT – February
Women Who Lead learned of a recent Student Council project to help students who are unable to pay to attend school dances. To help with the initiative, WWL donated $500 to the project so each student, otherwise not being able to attend, would be able to go to the dance free of charge.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY OUTREACH “TAILORED FOR TIGERS” – April
Tailored for Tigers is a “closet” for FHSU students that offers professional styles of clothing that students may check out and wear for job interviews and presentations. There is no cost to the student except for the expense of cleaning before returned. There is also an option to purchase the clothing if they wish. WWL donated $1,500 to restock the closet so graduating students may have suitable clothing to make a good first impression with future employers. WWL members will donate again in 2026.
REALITY U – April & November
Women Who Lead members volunteered their time in April to help with the event for Hays Middle School and in November for HHS Freshman and Juniors. The initiative provides education about the responsibilities, financial obligations educational needs, and skills necessary to be an independent contributing member of their community upon reaching adulthood.
ANA’S GIFT – May
Ana’s Gift was founded by WWL member Lori Hertel and her husband Stan in memory of their daughter. When Ana was 16 years old, she started collecting stuffed animals for children who are experiencing trauma. Shortly thereafter, she passed away and her mission has continued with stuffed animals given to children at HaysMed, those treated by first responders, and some taken to Ellis County Courthouse to give to children on adoption days. WWL members wanted to support the project and brought over 200 new stuffed animals to the May membership meeting followed by a community drive in July resulting in another 200 given to honor Ana.
ELLIS COUNTY CHILD CARE TASK FORCE – June
Women Who Lead donated $1,200 to Ellis County Child Care Task Force for emergency preparedness kits for in-home day care centers in Hays. The bags include backpacks, first aid kits, children’s activities, diapers and emergency procedure charts that will help them respond quickly in the event of a crisis.
BLOOM BAGS – June
Bloom Bags are little canvas bags that can be tucked into a school backpack containing feminine hygiene products and a hand sanitizer. First Call for Help asked for help in providing the bags for young girls who are often unprepared. WWL donated $462 to purchase the supplies for the needed 200 bags with members assisting with assembling the bags.
BACKPACKS FOR KIDS – July
Members donated new backpacks and school supplies for the Back Packs for Kids program at First Call for Help in July. A list of needed school supplies was provided to WWL members in addition to the request for backpacks. Over 50 members brought items to the July meeting to help children get off to a good start at the beginning of the school year. It is the third year that WWL assisted with the effort.
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS PROJECT – On-going
The Supporting our Students (SOS) Committee works alongside teachers, counselors and school administrators to identify and address family insecurities that may negatively affect students K-!2 in USD #489 school district. The program is intended to supplement gaps rather than replace existing community programs. Through the initiative, WWL is able to help with funding school lunches, after-school care expenses, clothing donations (coats, shoes, etc.), hygiene items, and food.
In August, WWL helped sponsor the annual Chamber Teacher Appreciation event and shared information with over 400 educators.
In the fall, SOS provided coffee and cookies for teachers’ in-service days to provide more information about the project and to take requests for students in need, resulting in a huge outpouring of support from the teachers and administrators.
ELLIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OUTREACH
In 2024, WWL became a member of the Ellis Booster Club and a sponsor of 5th Quarter, an event held after each home game for student athletes along with their classmates. Students are served a meal and engage in activities and games with prizes, giving them a safe place on a Friday night to have fun with other kids. The project continues for the 2025-2026 school year.
TOYS FOR TOTS – November
WWL has partnered with Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill since 2023 to provide toys for area children through the Maine Corp Toys for Tots program. In 2024, members brought over 150 toys in addition to donating $500 to Early Childhood Connections for coats and boots. The project continued in 2025 with toys and donations to provide toys again to needy children.
CHRISTMAS AND CANDY CANES – December
In addition to a WWL themed Christmas tree in Thirsty’s entry, over 1500 pink & white candy canes were given to children throughout the holiday season plus packets of “Reindeer Food” for two “Breakfast with Santa” free breakfasts. WWL members volunteered to help with the events and to be Santa’s “helpers” by replying to over 500 Letters to Santa the children put in Santa’s mailbox.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS’ APPRECIATION – May
WWL assisted HaysMed during “Hospital Week” in thanking nurses, doctors and associates for their dedication to our community. Women Who Lead members worked the day-long event and provided over 1,000 cookies with the WWL logo in appreciation of their dedication.
MAGIC ON MAIN COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LIGHTING EVENT – SOUP SUPPER & ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN – November
WWL participate in The Bricks Christmas Magic on Main Street event by sponsoring a soup supper (in partnership with Doug Pfannenstiel) to serve 500 people at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event. Games were also provided in the pavilion for children with each one winning a prize of treat bag containing candy, socks and gloves.
FROST FEST ANNUAL PARADE – December
WWL participated in Frost Fest Parade giving the children packets of Reindeer Food, and warm gloves.
CHAMBER WELCOME BASKETS – Ongoing
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 – Ongoing 2022 through 2025
WWL members have volunteered to serve as ushers for FHSU Encore Series since 2022 a way to “give back” to our community while providing visibility to the many projects of WWL.
HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS CARNIVAL – November
WWL was a sponsor the event, hosted by First Call for Help, by providing an inflatable basketball goal (and balls) for participants to try their skills along with other planned games and activities. The proceeds from the carnival will be used to help with housing needs for low-income individuals and families in Ellis County.
ELDER CARE PROJECTS
BINGO! – February
WWL donated a large variety of bingo prizes to be used for activities at Homestead Assisted Living and the Senior Center. The Elder Care Committee works closely throughout the year with Via Christi, Good Samaritan, Homestead, and Brookdale to help brighten the lives of the residents.
MEMORY TOOLS – March
Women Who Lead provided a variety of memory tools for the residents of Homestead Assisted Living in March. Some of the items offered were memory games, matching games, and activities designed for those experiencing early signs of dementia. Colorful balls with grabber/reaching tools were also included for improving dexterity and hand/eye coordination.
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.
SENIOR HEATH FAIR – May
May is “Senior Month” and the Elder Care Committee participated in a Senior Fair at Big Creek Crossing. 100 seniors who attended the event were provided with a reusable cotton shopping tote bag containing flower seeds, Chapstick, candy, bottled water, adult coloring books with colored pencils & sharpener (from Define Design & Remodel), free McDonalds ice cream coupon, and other goodies. This is the second year the Elder Care Committee participated.
RAISED GARDEN BEDS – May
Women Who Lead built raised garden beds a few years ago for residents of Via Christie and Good Samaritan Senior Care Living. The response was overwhelmingly positive and the project continues with WWL volunteers planting a variety of vegetables for a salsa garden and a flower garden for the residents’ enjoyment. New plants were provided and planted again in May.
HOLIDY CELEBRATIONS – Year Round
The Ellis Outreach Committee entertained the residents at Good Samaritan Senior Living in Ellis with holiday themed creative crafts and delicious snacks.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING – December
WWL members entertained residents of Via Christi by signing Christmas Carols at their Christmas parties and waking through the halls singing traditional carols. Following WWL December Membership Meeting, they also went to senior living facilities and caroled on December 18th. The residents shared how much they enjoyed the songs that brought back such happy memories of themselves caroling when they were younger.
DECORATED CHRISTMAS TREES – December
The Elder Care Committee provided 12 small Christmas trees for the residents’ rooms at Via Christie last Christmas. The trees were lit and fully decorated, adding a festive spirit during the holiday season. It was a big hit! This year, the committee continued the project adding 12 more decorated trees for the residents for a total of 24 Christmas trees brightening their rooms this holiday season.
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 needed medical attention. A Matthew’s Gift contains a fleece blanket, toiletries, snacks, puzzle books, paper/pen, gas card, and other items, 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. There were 218 transfers made in 2025 with an expectation of more to be made in 2026.
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 100 children requiring removal each year.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR GIRLS
Women Who Lead established a scholarship fund in 2022 in 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, FHTNC, Hays Academy of Hair Design, or other trade school in Ellis County. With over 50 applicants in 2025, WWL was able to award 8 scholarships! 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. Over 300 women attend with their friends and co-workers to enjoy a fun evening that includes a delicious dinner and the opportunity to bring home a beautiful handbag donated by businesses, individuals, and WWL members through the raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Proceeds from the event, in addition to the generosity of WWL annual sponsors enables our organization to provide the many projects for our community.