The Day of Giving on Saturday will help out dozens of area organizations and programs with monetary donations. Each organization is participating for different reasons.
Rhonda Dewitt, director for the area’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas, said she hoped the day will draw attention to the organization’s needs and purpose.
“A big part of our participation is letting people know about us,” Dewitt said. “We haven’t been promoted in the Allen and Neosho County area for awhile.”
Dewitt said she hopes to get more people interested in becoming members of the club.
“We are always looking for more children and volunteers for the program,” she said.
The program pairs adult mentors with youths who could benefit from additional positive role models.
Circles of Allen County is a grant-funded program in Iola that helps people in poverty. Georgia Masterson, program director, said she must be very specific on how the money will be used.
“There are other needs for Circles that aren’t met through our grants,” Masterson said. “We try to help people get to the workforce.”
Masterson said Circles has helped program members pay for a driver’s license so they can get to work or steel-toed boots for the workplace.
“We want to promote Circles during the day and get our information out to the public,” she said.
If it rains on Saturday the Day of Giving will be moved from the square to the Iola Theatre, 202 S. Washington Ave.
