National Philanthropy Day: United Is the Way We Rise Together

On National Philanthropy Day, November 15, we celebrate the generosity that fuels our community and thank those who give, volunteer, and care for their neighbors. And this year, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly thousands of families can be pushed into crisis. The spirit of giving means more than ever.

The Moment We’re In

Many of our neighbors are working hard to overcome financial barriers created by higher costs of life essentials, and we’re facing challenges that hit close to home. The 43-day federal government shutdown and the related pause of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) highlighted just how fragile many of our families and neighbors are right now. Any unexpected disruption in our local economy can be a disastrous tipping point for so many who are living on the financial edge fighting to make ends meet.

More than 50,000 people in Sedgwick County, that’s one in ten residents, rely on SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. When those benefits are delayed or reduced, it’s not just a policy issue, it’s a dinner-table issue. It’s families wondering how to stretch groceries another week. It’s seniors skipping meals, and it’s parents trying to decide between paying rent or feeding their children.

SNAP benefits bring $9.8 million every month into Sedgwick County grocery stores, supporting local jobs and small businesses. When that support disappears, the ripple effect is felt by grocery store employees, truck drivers, farmers, food suppliers, and ultimately, all of us.

Meanwhile, thousands of ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) are walking a financial tightrope. These are working families earning above the federal poverty line but still struggling to afford necessities like food, childcare, and health care.

Right now, 4 in 10 Sedgwick County residents are living paycheck to paycheck in this growing ALICE demographic. With rising costs exacerbated by the recent government shutdown, even more are at risk of slipping into crisis and facing impossible choices between food and medicine, rent and utilities.

The Need Has Never Been Greater

We work with our neighbors to build a resilient community that is more connected, supportive and ready to respond to any challenge.

In moments like this, local nonprofits and food pantries become the last line of defense. They’re seeing record demand, including families who have never needed help before.

And when the safety net stretches thin, philanthropy becomes the bridge between crisis and stability. National Philanthropy Day isn’t just about recognizing generosity; it’s a reminder that we are the safety net when systems fail.

When you give to organizations like United Way of the Plains, you strengthen an entire network of local nonprofits stepping up to meet urgent needs, together.

How Our Community Comes Together

One of the things I love most about south-central Kansas is how people show up when it counts. We don’t wait for someone else to fix it. We roll up our sleeves, pitch in, and take care of our own.

We saw that spirit firsthand through our rapid response initiative, United Against Hunger. On top of infusing emergency funding of $50,000 into 20 local food pantries to help restock their shelves, United Way of the Plains mobilized our community for a flash food drive that brought in over two tons of food donations in just 72 hours.

Because of community support, we were able to act within hours, not weeks, to get resources where they were needed most.

United Way of the Plains brings our community together to find strength and share hope by rallying in hard times to meet people’s basic needs, rebuild after crises, and create long-term solutions so everyone in our community can thrive. This includes providing access to resources like food and housing, mobilizing volunteers for disaster recovery, and investing in programs that address challenges related to health, youth opportunity, and financial security.

Why Giving Now Matters

In our community, philanthropy is key to fostering a thriving Wichita, but it’s most impactful in moments like this, when the need is urgent and the challenges are daunting.

And should we ever forget, our state’s 2-1-1 confidential referral service operated by United Way of the Plains reminds us every year why over 150,000 Kansans call for help to prevent eviction, access healthcare, find a homeless shelter, and, of course, locate the nearest food pantry.

Your support today helps ensure that families have access to food even when federal programs falter, that nonprofits can keep their doors open and respond rapidly to emerging crises, and that our community remains strong, resilient, and united, no matter what comes next.

Beyond immediate relief, United Way works with partners to create long-term solutions for community challenges by advocating for families, improving health outcomes and empowering youth through education and career-readiness programs.

A Personal Ask

Community challenges require a community response, and Wichitans have proven time and again that we can weather hard times when we face them together. Because philanthropy isn’t just about dollars, it’s about people. It’s about compassion that ripples through our community and creates hope.

On this National Philanthropy Day, I encourage you to join our movement to ensure that everyone has access to essential services and resources they need to thrive today, tomorrow, and all year round. There is no better way to honor the generosity that defines Wichita than by lifting up our neighbors.

United is the way we build a better future for everyone.

In gratitude,

Pete Nájera
President & CEO
United Way of the Plains