The importance of concern for the communities we serve is one of Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperatives’ seven guiding principles and therefore donations from the cooperative and our employees can never be overstated. Philanthropy makes a critical difference. It helps us fill gaps in existing funding to create new services in response to emerging needs throughout our communities. We invite you to learn more about the organizations Sumner-Cowley employees chose to highlight this season.
OPERATION HOLIDAY
Operation Holiday and the Wellington Lions Club have been helping families in Sumner County since 2013 to make sure every child has a toy under the tree on Christmas morning. Jane Cole a member of the Wellington Lions Club leads the crusade annually to collect donations, purchase toys, review applications and distribute gifts. The annual Sumner County Toy Run organized by Julie Crow is a major contributor to Operation Holiday. The toy run is held in October and begins with a ride from Belle Plaine to the VFW in Wellington complete with a chili feed and auction.
In 2021 Operation Holiday was able to assist forty-five families and provide toys for over 140 children in Sumner County. If you and your family need assistance, would like to donate or volunteer we encourage you to contact Operation Holiday via email jcole@farmersagent.com.
Cowley County Humane Society
The Cowley County Humane Society handled 1,308 animals and adopted 1,116 four-legged friends in 2021. The humane society assists with rehoming of pets and/or strays in the Cowley County area. The donations in demand for the facility are bleach, dish soap and paper towels. These items are needed for disinfecting kennels and supplies to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in the shelter.
You can contact Cowley County Humane Society via Facebook messenger @cowleycountyhumanesociety or calling the shelter at 620.221.1698
USD 358 – Oxford FFA Cats Closet
USD 358 and the Oxford FFA Cats Closet acts as a local foodbank for USD 358 students and provides additional need-based items for students such as food, shampoo, cleaning supplies and laundry essentials. Due to the gracious giving of the Kansas Star Casino cold weather apparel is also available. If you would like to assist the USD 358 school district, please contact Sherry White at sherrywhite@usd358.com
Wellington Humane Society
The Wellington Humane Society cares for dogs and cats that are relinquished by their owners or pulled from the various Police Departments throughout the County. In 2021, they cared for 355 animals, found homes for 273 animals, and spay/neutered 266 of those animals that came through the shelter. Besides caring for animals, they offer a low cost spay/neuter program. The Wellington Humane Society provides outreach programs to the area schools as well. Volunteers from Futures Unlimited, Wellington Health and Rehab, and Botkin Care and Rehab socialize with the animals and make enrichment items.
The Wellington Humane Society can always use volunteers to complete various tasks at the facility; from animal care to special events, they can find a job for anyone – including students in need of community service hours. If you cannot volunteer but still want to help, donations are always appreciated. The Wellington Humane Society always has a need for clumping cat litter, dog treats (hard and soft), dog shampoo and scratching pads for cats. Contact the Wellington Humane Society via Facebook @wellingtonhumanesociety494 or call the facility at 620-440-4375.
TFI Family Services
TFI Family Services provides several types of services including foster care, reintegration, adoption and aftercare to children in Cowley and Sumner counties. When children enter foster care, they often move using trash bags or cardboard boxes for personal items, therefore donations are always needed for basic necessities and duffle bags. There are many ways you can help TFI through fostering a child, volunteering, or donating. For more information view their website https://tfifamily.org/donations
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources Cowley/Sumner Counties
The DVSA Resource centers located in Winfield and Wellington provide crisis and supportive counseling to victims and guide them on resources available and completing applications for financial assistance or protection orders through the courts. Kami Dobbs, Director of Outreach stated the center is in need of clothing and basic essentials as most survivors flee a domestic violence situation without personal items. The DVSA Resource center supplies “Go Bags” for survivors that includes a change of clothes, toiletries, socks, blanket, and a journal. Donations are needed for the “Go Bags,” laundry detergent and cell phones with chargers. For more information on this resource in Cowley and Sumner County contact DVSA (620)229-7233 or follow them on Facebook @DVSARESOURCES.
South Haven Fire Department
Volunteer fire departments are often underfunded and are in need of the tools and equipment that ensure they can perform their duty, to save lives and protect property, safely and as efficiently as possible. Many volunteer fire departments rely on fundraising efforts to supplement or in some cases primarily support their financial needs. The South Haven Fire Department boast an annual “Rib Day” in early spring selling Bodacious Smoked Meats including pulled pork, ribs and smoke bologna to raise funds for upgraded equipment and gear. This year Sumner Cowley Electric Cooperative and two anonymous donors gifted the South Haven Fire Department with a Thermal Imaging Camera.
Thermal imaging cameras were designed for detecting hot spots in structure fires, searching for victims in a fire and locating hot spots in electrical boxes or outlets. For more information or updates on fundraisers follow the South Haven Fire Department on Facebook @SHKSFD.
During the New Year, Sumner-Cowley hopes the spirit of giving continues and our communities remain focused on helping those in need throughout 2022.