The Wonder Women League have accomplished many notable projects since their establishment. Check out some of their inspiring work within Ellis County. From Power of the Purse to Project Suitcase to making masks, these ladies are always taking on new challenges and working to make a big impact in our community.
Our annual Power of the Purse is full of a night of fun, drinks, and of course, purses! To learn more about where to buy your ticket, click here.
Projects
The Wonder Women League and the United Way of Ellis County, along with partnerships with Adams Brown Beran and Ball and the City of Hays are proud to announce the addition of a Born Learning Trail for the Ellis County Community. This trail will be located at Sunrise Park, 19th and MacArthur. The Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families.
The Trail was installed in the Spring of 2018 which we celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
In the fall of 2018, our Board Co-Chair Nancy was discussing with her mechanic about the Wonder Women League and the group was looking for a project that they could do for the community. He then told her about his son, who was in an unfortunate accident and airlifted to a larger hospital where he could get his needs met. During that time, they were handed a bag with essentials they needed, since they did not want to leave their son's side. Inside the bag where snacks, toiletries, and other amenities. Nancy brought the idea back to the Wonder Women League where it was enthusiastically received. The WWL presented their idea to HaysMed, part of the University of Kansas Health System who was on board with this idea. Matthew's Gift was born!
Matthew's Gift consists of a canvas bag with a gas card, snacks, crackers, candy, bottled water, toothbrush, toothpaste, facial tissue, blanket, notepad, pen, games, deck of cards and much more. These bags are handed out to families who's loved one is being flown out of HaysMed with a medical emergency.
On September 10, 2018, over 20 women convened to learn self-defense tactics if they ever found themselves in a compromising situation. The class was led by Kenton Russell and the FHSU Self-defensive Tactics Club. The women learned different manuvers to fend off a would be attacker and to escape from a dangerous situation.
A Big Thank you to our Guest Trainer, Kenton Russell and the FHSU Self-Defensive Tactics Club!
Visit their website at: https://tigerlink.fhsu.edu/organization/defensivetactics
For children, visiting the hospital can be a stressful endeavor. The Wonder Woman League wanted to find a way to reduce the stress and anxiety for kids as they prepare for surgery. The WWL partnered with Auto World, Hays Chevrolet and Lewis Automotive to purchase three remote controlled cars that will drive children to procedures. They are remote controlled by nurses or parents. It was found there are only three other hospitals with this program. The WWL also brought Radio Flyer red wagons with IV poles attached that will be used to transport children following surgery.
When children are removed from their home and taken to foster care, they often leave with just the clothes on their back or are only able to quickly take what they can find with them. With that in mind, the WWL implemented Project Suitcase. This gift includes a duffle bag to each child containing a soft blanket, stuffed animal, pajamas, toys, toiletries, and a McDonald's gift card.
Thank you to heartland community Foundation for funding to implement the project and the Robert & Patricia Schmidt Foundation for continuation of Project Suitcase.
Our other sponsors include: Eric and Emily Madden, Hamlin Creative Consulting, McDonald's, eyeSMILE Dental & Vision Office, Pepsi Bottling Group, Color/Cut Salon, Kim Weigel, RD Graphics, Erin & Trevor Giebler, Blake Madden, And Wonder Woman League Members.
To learn more visit the Hays Post article Here.
Before, the pandemic, there has been an increase in anxiety seen in children, and after COVID-19, it has only gotten worse. Each box was filled with items that engage the senses and helps effectively manage anxiety. Some of these items included scented silly putty, bubbles, stress ball, fidget spinner, mini puzzle cube, small hand lotion, pinwheel, Play-Doh, chewing gum, suckers, peppermints, bubble wrap, journal and colored pencils. The boxes will also include inserts about stress and useful websites to visit and other information about mental health. A total of 108 boxes were put together and will be split between High Plains Mental Health, Turning Point Mental Health Clinic and Serenity Psychological Services.
Read the full article at https://hayspost.com/posts/fa003906-a30d-4d07-9772-128618a481ea
Raised Garden Beds
These were provided to Via Christi and Good Samaritan long term care homes to provide residents a relaxing activity.
Thanks to Heartland Building Center, Hank Von Lintel, Bob Bilinger, Superior Lawn and Landscaping, and RD Graphics.
Dignity Bibs
These bibs were purchased to help older residents feel more comfortable while eating without making a mess. The purpose of this project was to help residents feel more confident as they eat with a more creative look. These bibs were distributed to Via Christi and Good Samaritan long term care homes.
To learn more, check out this article by Hays Post here
Other Notable Contributions
Food donations to UW day of Caring, ARC park donation, A Brighter Future handbag donation, Reality U sponsorship