The Care Catalog is an online, crowdfunding campaign to support nonprofit work in and around the communities of Westmoreland, St. George, Onaga, and St. Marys during the holiday season. This annual campaign is meant to connect donors to nonprofits who are looking for end-of-year funding to reach their project or program goals in the following areas: Arts, Basic Human Needs, Community, Education, Healthcare and Senior Citizens.

Scroll down for a list of all projects and options to donate.

Download the 2024 Care Catalog hereDownload

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 How Does the Care Catalog Work?

    • Shop the list of program requests and give to one or more nonprofits easily
    • Click the donate button to support the nonprofit(s) of your choosing. Donations can be made via PayPal or check.
    • Your donation is tax deductible!
    • We absorb the credit card fees, so 100% of your donation directly supports the nonprofits!
    • Minimum online donation is $10.00
    • Total donations are listed below and will be updated daily
    • Still have questions? Email Susie Kufahl, CCF Director, at skufahl@ccfks.org

Thanks to these sponsors covering credit card fees and advertising, 100% of your donations will go to the projects! We greatly appreciate our anonymous sponsor and these sponsors:


Studies show that music improves communication and imagination, boosts IQ, cultivates patience, improves literacy and math skills… and makes children happy!

In these times of teacher shortages, music teachers can be hard to find. To date, USD 322 Onaga
has been unable to hire a full-time music teacher for this year, but has been fortunate to hire a wonderful individual as a clinician two afternoons a week to provide instruction for students in grades 5-12 for instrumental music/band. Students have very limited time (30 minutes two days a week) to grow and develop their musical talents. At this time, there is no structured opportunity for vocal music at any level.

Valuing music in children’s lives, an anonymous donor has initiated a fund to help provide music lessons for students of USD 322. This fund is intended to augment music education offered
at USD 322. $1000 will fully fund one-on-one music lessons for one child for one year at Flint Hills Academy in Wamego, KS. This pilot project will run from January – December 2025. The CCF is working with USD 322 to implement this music scholarship. We hope to build a fund to support music for more children in more locations through more vendors over time.

Whether your child’s interest be in piano, violin, drums, ukulele, voice, guitar, saxophone, or something else, let’s turn that interest into a lifetime love of music and more educational success!

If you have a heart for music, this is your project!

Requested: $8,000
Funded:
$0


Rock Creek is proud of its school musicals! With a cast of over 60 students every year, our sets and backdrops get a serious workout and need to be replaced.

Our high school stage and storage area are small and our current wood panel backdrops are cumbersome. These things make it difficult to safely set up our large-scale productions like Seussical or Beauty and the Beast.

We are requesting 10 mobile stage panels, $1000 each, to replace the wood panels which are starting to splinter after years of use and are becoming a danger to the students. The new panels will be easily assembled, secured, and can be moved as needed.

These new panels will have canvas backdrops which will provide a perfect background for our projector to cast changing creative artistry upon. Having canvas panels that can easily be designed also provides our theater tech class creative opportunities to develop backdrops for each production. These essential mobile canvas panels will be used for the fall musical and the winter school play.

We would appreciate your help and look forward to seeing you at our next production!

Requested: $10,000
Funded:
$0


A concrete wall can be dreary; street art – a mural – can change that to beautiful, interesting, and even inspiring.

We have a wall, in a public, frequently visited part of downtown, just waiting for a mural.

We may come from different places and have differing ideas, but we have a shared sense of community. We think art brings people together, to share stories and invite reflection, and maybe it helps us understand each other a little better.

We’re looking for an artist to inspire our downtown and our community with a creative mural, something to transform “normal” into something joyful, welcoming and invigorating.

The funds we’re asking for will be used to hire an artist to paint such a mural on the side of Parlor 318 on Leonard Street in Onaga.

Requested: $3,000
Funded: $0


The USD 322 Caring Closet has become a lifeline for many children and their families.

Imagine a child walking into school wearing shoes that are too small, and a jacket that’s too thin
for the cold. They’re not thinking about math or reading—they’re focused on the discomfort of their worn-out clothes or the anxiety of not having basic hygiene products. For some families in our district, these struggles are part of everyday life. That’s where the USD 322 Caring Closet steps in, helping students from preschool through 12th grade access essentials like clothing, shoes, hygiene products, school supplies, laundry detergent, and even food.

The USD 322 Caring Closet has become a lifeline for many children and their families. With your support, we’ve been able to restore dignity and confidence to kids who might otherwise feel left behind. These resources make a world of difference—students come to school feeling more comfortable, more focused, and more ready to learn.

But we can’t do it alone.

Right now, we’re asking for your help to continue this vital work. By contributing to the Caring Closet, you’ll be giving kids the chance to focus on what truly matters—learning, growing, and thriving. You have the power to change a child’s day, their school year, and even their future by helping meet their most basic needs. We invite you to join us in this mission. Every dollar you give will make an immediate, tangible difference in the life of a student in our district. Thank you for your kindness and support. Together, we can make sure no child goes without the essentials they need to succeed.

Requested: $6,500
Funded: $0


We are requesting Food Pantry Funds for beef and other meat to distribute to members of the Havensville community who would otherwise go hungry.

The Havensville Christian Church provides emergency assistance and bi-weekly food deliveries to community members in need. Currently we serve 8 to 9 families bi-weekly and have provided emergency support to a few families when needed. Our goal is to lessen the strain of rising food costs for our neighbors and community.

We have a pantry full of shelf stable food, however, our freezer is empty. We would like to use your donation to provide frozen hamburger and/or other meat to our pantry customers. We have a history of supporting food needs of local families and being supported by donations from area organizations. We are asking for your help. Thank you.

Requested: $500
Funded: $0


We have come a long way since the days of the traveling Medicine Man shows and the hucksters who ran them. Thank goodness for our caring small town local community pharmacists who are our neighbors and our friends and are looking out for us.

Pharmacists have always been an important part of our small town. Since 1876 we have had at least 32 pharmacies or drug stores! That is amazing! Many titles have been used: Druggist, Drug Store, Pharmacy, Apothecary, Dispensary, Chemist Shop, or Prescription Store, no matter the name, we rely on them for medications and advice.

Several years ago, the top portion of one of the pharmacy counters from the 1800s was discovered in an attic and donated by Pam Pace to the St. Marys Historical Society. Since that time, it has sat on top of one of our display cases. This has made it impossible to open the case and now it is causing the case to collapse.

Carolyn Gray of Custom Wood Products and David Steele from the Historical Society have designed
a plan to rehabilitate the 3 section display cabinet with ornamentation to look as it might have looked in the 1800s.

Not only will this feature the rare top section, but the display case will also be lit and have opening glass doors providing a place to display our pharmacy and medical items.

With a significant discount from Custom Wood Products the case and assembly of the top to the bases and lighting will cost $5000. If the total amount is not raised but a significant amount is, there is a possibility of a donation of at least $1000 that can be added to that amount as needed.

We hope that you will be able to once again donate toward this year’s project which will serve to remind us of the many who have served the medical needs of our “caring community”.

Requested: $5,000
Funded: $0


We aim to give you some WILD WEST entertainment at the rodeo, but we take every precaution to make rodeo safe for livestock, contestants, and spectators.

Here are some improvements we could use your help with:
• Adding pens to better hold rough stock
• Make gate entries so our young mutton busters can enter the arena more safely
• Improving parameter fencing for the area

Thank you for your donation! Let’s rodeo!

Requested: $5,000
Funded: $0


A downtown with music can create a happy and festive atmosphere. Your day might be busy and your to-do list long, but visiting our downtown should put a smile on your face.

Onaga is seeking funds to purchase a sound system with speakers for its downtown. Speakers will be placed at both ends of Leonard Street between 3rd and 4th Street. This will positively impact the area’s businesses and visitors alike, enable event broadcasting, and generally bring our downtown area alive. Whether it’s playing Christmas tunes or patriotic music in July, a sound system will improve the overall ambiance of the downtown.

Requested: $6,500
Funded: $0


Ensure and safeguard a strong community future!

Goal: $70,000
Committed: $47,500
Needed: $22,500

The Caring Community Foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity serving Pottawatomie, Marshall, Nemaha and Jackson Kansas Counties. We have invested over 35 funds growing to meet the charitable needs of local communities. We award grants and scholarships annually and help fundraise for non-profit organizations. We create funds for your charitable purposes and we depend upon our Community Fund so that we can always be an available resource for you.

We are firmly committed to our local communities and always have our sleeves rolled up, ready to lend a hand. We provided a strong relief response to Westmoreland, following the tornado that was devastating to so many people. We have facilitated an outdoor classroom for USD 322 Onaga, a shade gazebo for Wellsprings Long Term Care facility in Westmoreland, created an endowment for USD 323 Rock Creek, built a fence for the playground in St. Marys, assisted local historical societies, helped after school programs in St. George, initiated Dolly Parton Imagination Library programs in Onaga and Westmoreland, and much more.

Together We Can – 100% Match!

This kicks off our three-year campaign to raise $500,000 to ensure a solid future of caring for our communities forever.

We want to keep giving, supporting, and growing a strong future for our communities. Please help us do so with your donation to our unrestricted Community Fund and be sure to make your donation during the magic match time between November 18th and December 16th this year! Thank you!

Requested: $22,500
Funded: $0


“Oh gosh, do you have your video camera with you? Can you go get it? We need to tape this program tonight for our Facebook page.”

The Historical Society offers a variety of presentations throughout the year both at the Museum and at other sites such as the recent Cemetery Tours. One of our volunteers graciously uses her personal camera to video many of these presentations, making them available on our Facebook page. Comments are extremely favorable for these posts and have resulted in many viewers making contact with us for more information and/or getting in touch with long “lost” relatives.

Using the volunteer’s personal camera works; however, if we owned a camera and related equipment at the Museum, we would increase videoing availability and decrease liability. Other volunteers could also video programs, especially programs during the day when the regular volunteer is at work and not available. There have been

times when families visit the Museum and begin sharing memories of growing up in the Onaga area. Often these impromptu stories of history would be valuable to video, and we could if we had a camera.

In addition to the video camera, extra batteries/ charger, SD card; tripod, camera bag and a microphone would be part of the “package” for providing the programs to the public via social media. All donations towards this project will be greatly appreciated.

Requested: $1,000
Funded: $0


Financial literacy is in demand and what better way to have students prepare financially than with a hands- on experience?

All Rock Creek 8th and 10th grade students will take a pre-survey of what they want their career and family life to look like at 26 years old. The day of the simulation students will get their monthly paycheck based on their survey results. Students will then be challenged to make well-informed consumer decisions and pay their monthly bills. Community volunteers and student leaders will manage booths as sales reps for housing, phone, transportation, groceries and more! Students will have 60 minutes to make it to each booth while making financial choices and budget their monthly earnings. During the simulation, if students need extra income they have the ability to get a side job, down grade their house or car, or find a roommate.

At the conclusion of the simulation, students will listen to a guest speaker, community members, and senior students. These speakers expand upon a wide range of impactful topics to help inspire student involvement and achievement in their school, community, and at home.

Lessons learned during this simulation:

Failure and resilience
Employability skills
Savvy spending habits
Gratitude
Corporation with peers
Budgeting and financing
Future Planning
Importance of an education

Your donation will help us create and host this exercise. Thank you!

Requested: $3,000
Funded: $0


We are excited to launch our preschool playground enhancement project, aimed at creating a vibrant and safe outdoor space where pre- school children can explore, learn, and grow.

With your generous support, we will install new age- appropriate play structures and play areas/toys that encourage physical activity and imaginative play.

Currently, our playground lacks adequate equipment; we have a climber dome and an airplane. Our preferred goal is to add a commercial play structure which costs $18,534. We will be grateful for whatever assistance we can gain from the school and the Care Catalog and we will continue to fundraise. If we do not raise all of the money, we are going to start with some smaller free-standing structures such as a swing set ($2756) or a climbing wall ($2212).

By investing in this project, we will meet the physical needs of our children and foster their emotional and social growth. Every dollar contributed will be used wisely and transparently, ensuring that we maximize the impact of your gift. Together, we can create a nurturing environment that inspires our children to engage, connect, and thrive, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and joyful learning.

Requested: $10,000
Funded: $0


The Onaga High School gym is in need of updated wall mats. The current center mats are worn and torn.

Updated mats will improve the look of the gym, increase pride in the school, and be a showcase space. In addition to the mats, Onaga is seeking to purchase five custom benches to place outside around the campus. The benches will allow students and visitors a place to sit while waiting outside, visiting with friends, or enjoying a few minutes of the beautiful weather. Quality benches in a school color with the Onago logo will be a bright spot for all.

The cost of the mats is estimated to cost: $3150 The estimated cost of five custom benches is $5750.

Please help support and increase the pride for the Onaga Buffaloes!

Requested: $8,900
Funded: $0


USD 323 is dedicated to educating its students in training that saves lives. A CPR in Schools Class is taught to all high school freshman by the school nurse. This class increases bystander CPR and make our school and community a safer place.

Currently, we do not have enough manikins to properly teach CPR. Mini Anne blow-up trainers are used that deflate quickly, and do not give feedback. The student has a hard time learning proper compressions due to the blow-up figures being unrealistic. We are also insufficient in training materials causing the class to be time consuming. The freshman class has 110 students with the total enrollment of the school at 416 students.

The Prestan Manikin would be ideal, because it gives feedback on the rate of compressions and correct depth. Head tilt/chin lifts can be practiced for breaths needed to see the manikin’s chest rise and fall. The Prestan Manikin makes it easier for the student to learn, and the teacher to train.

Improving cardiac arrest survival in our school
and community is so important. Education using realistic manikins with instant feedback will help us teach our students and staff to save lives!

We are requesting 16 Prestan Manikins for a total of $2,752. Thank you!

Requested: $2,752
Funded: $0


The quicker you can respond to a medical emergence, the chance for a better outcome increases exponentially.

In rural communities, emergency response times can take longer than in larger cities. As medical staff, we have been educated on the fact that “time is brain” or “time is heart.”

Meaning, the quicker you can properly respond to a medical emergency, the chance for a better outcome increases exponentially.

The Kaw Valley School Health Service team has been working diligently to offer CPR/AED/First Aid training to Freshmen and 6th grade students throughout the school district. The goal this year is to certify ALL school staff members on CPR training through the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver program.

We believe that preparing staff and students for the possibility of a medical emergency is of the utmost importance and would like to continue to grow our program to include community training events. These events would take place annually (possibly bi-annually) and would be offered to community

members and neighboring communities to help increase preparedness and share awareness. By having more manikins available during classes, trainers will have more hands-on time with fewer interruptions to practice their skills.

The Kaw Valley School Health Service team are all certified AHA Instructors and are passionate about preparing children, young adults, adults, friends, and neighbors how to provide emergent lifesaving measures with CPR.

The Support We Need:

• Set of 16 adult CPR manikins with feedback system: 2752.00
• Set of 8 infant CPR manikins with feedback system: 1198.00

Requested: $3,950
Funded: $0


Our project is to improve the visibility of our main sign, enhance its presentation and place a new foundation. At present our sign is not visible in all directions and the foundation has cracked.

The project would entail several phases. The overall cost is $15,000; we will be thankful for whatever donations received. The present sign would have
to be dismounted from its broken base. The old foundation would have to be demolished, and the electric feed to the sign would have to be rerouted to the new sign location. A new sign would also be made, reproducing the present sign.

A new foundation would be placed in the area just uphill from the present sign, above and behind an existing semi-circular brick retaining wall. This would add to the aesthetics of the sign foundation. The two signs would then be placed in a “V” shape so that the angle of one sign would be toward Main St. and Highway 99 from the south, much like the existing sign. The other sign would be at the same angle toward the north to guide people in with visibility from Highway 99 from that direction. Some volunteer work is hoped for, as the new sign makes up the major cost of this project.

After much discussion on sign improvements, the board of directors chose this option as the most eye-pleasing and functional. Without a sign aimed in each direction we are not announcing our location. A two-sided sign is problematic without moving the whole thing out close to the highway. A one-sided sign either shows in one direction or faces directly toward the highway.

Requested: $10,000
Funded: $0


Thank you for participating and adding your support to these local non-profits! Each has its own unique story and purpose. All are grateful for your donations.