The Smoky Hills Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Caring Families of Ellsworth County Fund, a new endowment dedicated to ensuring local children and families have the resources they need for years to come.

This fund was established to support the mission of the Caring Families Foundation, a local nonprofit that has been working to meet the basic needs of children and families in Ellsworth County since 2019. For many in the community, the Caring Families Foundation is a quiet, yet vital, force, one that steps in when a child needs shoes, a family lacks hygiene essentials or a teacher sees hunger in a child who is tired, inattentive or unwell.

The foundation provides school supplies, clothing and weekly afterschool snacks to USD 327 students, ensuring no child is left without. It also delivers hygiene baskets to families, recognizing that stability begins with dignity.

These efforts are built on a simple yet powerful belief — if something needs to be done, do not wait for someone else, be the one to do it. One quote that has inspired Caring Families Foundation in its mission states, “I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realized I was somebody.”

In addition to meeting everyday needs, Caring Families Foundation brings the community together through its annual Ellsworth County Community Easter Egg Hunt. This year’s event will take place this Sunday, March 30, at 1 p.m. at the Ellsworth Recreation Department T-ball fields. Families can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with an Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny and festive props for memorable pictures.

Hidden among the eggs will be special golden tickets offering lucky participants the chance to win prizes. The event is free and open to all, reinforcing the foundation’s mission of spreading joy and support throughout the community.

For those who want to get involved, the Caring Families Foundation welcomes volunteers and donations year-round. Whether it is helping at events, contributing supplies or simply spreading awareness, every effort strengthens the foundation’s reach. To learn more about how to help, email ewco.caringfamilies@gmail.com.

Through the new Caring Families of Ellsworth County Fund, community members now have a way to ensure this vital work continues for generations to come. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and can be made at www.smokyhillscf. org. Additionally, individuals and organizations considering starting their own endowment can take advantage of a unique opportunity. Right now, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and Smoky Hills Community Foundation are offering up to $4,000 in matching funds, $2,000 from each organization, for new endowed funds established today. This is an opportunity to create a lasting impact while maximizing charitable dollars.

Communities grow stronger when people come together to care for one another. Whether through attending the Easter Egg Hunt, supporting the Caring Families Foundation or starting an endowed fund, there are many ways to make a difference in Ellsworth County. To learn more, visit www. smokyhillscf.org, call us at (785) 810-1235 or email director@smokyhillscf. org.

A strong community is built on acts of kindness — some big, some small, but all meaningful. The Caring Families of Ellsworth County Fund ensures that kindness will continue, making a difference today, tomorrow and for years to come.

The Smoky Hills Community Foundation is a proud affiliate of the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation.

Colby Richard is the executive director of the Smoky Hills Community Foundation. He can be reached at (785) 810-1235 or director@smokyhillscf.org.