Giving Back
November 19, 2025
At MKEC, we love to give back. We’re actively involved in the communities we serve, always on the lookout for ways to give back. From mentoring students at a neighboring elementary school, to hosting food drives, and sponsoring events, we’re committed to helping the communities we work and live in.
Here is just a snapshot of some of the wonderful organizations that are doing terrific things in our communities that we are honored to support and engage with.
United Way of the Plains
Since 1922, United Way of the Plains has brought together individuals and organizations to create real, lasting results for the people of south central Kansas. United Way focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. They fight to advance the common good by creating opportunities for all.
Simply Hygiene
Simply Hygiene’s mission is to empower people with essential hygiene products that promote health and hope. The products they collect and distribute are not covered by government assistance programs and are not readily accessible in most pantries. This year they are already serving over 200 schools and over 100 organizations, providing over 95,000 people access to hygiene essentials each month. Simply Hygiene has been distributing more products in the past year to our local domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, schools, homeless shelters, and food and hygiene pantries in efforts to get hygiene products into the hands of those who are going without. We have participated by hosting Dignity Drives, volunteering at their warehouse, and supporting some of their key fundraising events.
Greater Wichita YMCA
The mission of the Greater Wichita YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote healthy lifestyles, strong families, and positive youth development to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, regardless of ability to pay. In addition to MKEC offering our team members discounted YMCA memberships, we support the Y in a variety of sponsorships and fundraiser participation.
KAKE School Supply Landslide
Our team was thrilled to participate in the KAKE School Supply Landslide again this year. The mission is to help teachers in Kansas get the supplies they need for the school year since many teachers have to pay out-of-pocket for supplies for their class. We also distributed a portion of the donated items to our community partners at Minneha Core Knowledge Elementary School.
Kansas City Kansas School Foundation For Excellence
The goal of the Kansas City Kansas School Foundation for Excellence is to provide all students with an equal opportunity to reach their potential in all educational and personal endeavors. They strive to serve all students and provide support to enhance student’s educational experience by simply providing scholarships.
ODOT Memorial Foundation
The ODOT Memorial Foundation is committed to honoring the memory of Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers who lost their lives while on the job. They provide financial relief to families of ODOT employees who have lost their lives in roadway work zones.
South Central Kansas STEM Foundation
The South Central Kansas STEM Foundation aims to get young students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They provide funds for supplies and activities related to STEM for local teachers to incorporate into their classrooms.
Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet Elementary
Our team has been a community partner with Minneha for more than 20 years, offering support to the school, staff and families – through our mentor/tutor program, providing school supplies, general help fund, secret garden project and others. One of our favorite annual traditions is to provide Christmas gifts and more to the neediest families at Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet Elementary at Christmastime.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Their mission is to alleviate the worry and expense of finding a close, comfortable and affordable place for a family to stay while their child receives the medical care they need.