Local donor empowers area 5th graders with $10 in 'Give Bucks' to give to nonprofits during Give Fest

In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, the Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back a special initiative for Give Fest 2025: Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive at least $10 to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice! Thanks to the William H. Andreson Charitable Trust in Rooks County, 5thgrade students in Rooks County will receive $10 each to donate to the organizations of their choice. All students will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the power of philanthropy.

On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest event in Stockton to meet participating nonprofits, learn about their missions, and choose where to allocate their 'Give Bucks'—vouchers distributed to them in $5 increments. This initiative aims to promote an early understanding of charitable giving and community support among young people.

The Trustees of the William H. Andreson Charitable Trust are pleased to offer these students the opportunity to choose where their donation is allocated, empowering them to feel the impact of their gift and understand the importance of supporting local causes.

The Andreson legacy lives on through the trust's charitable gifts, and now these students will start to understand the impact of philanthropy, which may inspire them to build a legacy of their own.

In the days leading up to Give Fest, representatives from the Heartland Community Foundation will visit area schools to introduce students to the idea of giving back. 'We're excited to talk with students about what it means to be a nonprofit and why supporting local organizations matters,' said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of the Heartland Community Foundation.

'It's inspiring to see young people get involved and understand that, no matter their age, they can make a real difference in their commu-nity.'

Give Fest 2025, happening on October 10, is a celebration of philanthropy, community spirit, and cultural heritage with an Oktoberfest twist. The event spans Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties, offering in-person opportunities for donors to meet local nonprofits, enjoy Oktoberfest food and entertainment, and make a meaningful impact. With 58 participating organizations, there's a cause for everyone, from education and healthcare to animal welfare, emergency response, and more.

All donations made to participating nonprofits during the 24-hour giving period will be matched up to 100% by the Heartland Community Foundation, thanks to a $150,000 match pool. Donations will go directly to the nonprofits' endowed funds at the foundation, ensuring a stable financial future, while match dollars provide immediate support for current needs.

This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: · Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays · Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton · Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney How to Give: · Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest. org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a whole week!

· In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.

· Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, PO Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They must be received by October 10.

· Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted.

Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity's name in the memo, along with a donor form.

For more information about Give Fest and the participating nonprofits, visit www.HeartlandGiveFest. org.