photo by: Bremen Keasey

The United Way of Kaw Valley's office in Lawrence, located at 1127 Iowa St.

The United Way of Kaw Valley will hold its annual day of giving Wednesday with a variety of events in Lawrence as the organization hopes to raise $40,000 to support its programming.

Judy Riling, the organization’s Director of Donor Engagement for Douglas County, told the Journal-World the day of giving will help raise funds for the 2024 fiscal year. Riling said the new fiscal year will start on July 1, and this event is kind of “the last push” for the organization to meet its fundraising goals.

Riling said multiple members of the organization and its partners will be broadcasting on local radio stations, including KLWN, 92.9 The Bull and 105.9 Kiss FM with interviews to help share their work and raise funds as well.

Along with the broadcasts, Riling said the organization has partnered with other businesses to raise funds throughout the day. The Brain Freeze Daiquiri food truck will visit the United Way of Kaw Valley’s Lawrence office at 1127 Iowa St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a percentage of the sales being donated to United Way. Lawrence sports bar Set ‘Em Up Jacks will also be donating a percentage of their proceeds from all sales.

Additionally, Riling said the organization is holding a food drive in partnership with the grocery store Checkers. The donations will all go to the local food bank Just Food, and the drive will run through Wednesday.

“There’s a lot going on, it’s all exciting,” Riling said.

The organization is hoping to raise $40,000 on the day for its operations across three counties: Shawnee, Douglas and Jefferson. People interested in donating can go to the website: www.uwkawvalley.org/dayofgiving. Riling said people can donate to the organization’s for Douglas County general fund or choose to pledge the money to a specific area of focus, like racial equity grants or expanding childcare options.