The United Way of the Flint Hills is looking at ways to support both its Community Partners and the people impacted by the upcoming closures of Holiday Resort and Tyson Foods.
On Monday, Tyson said it is ending all its local operations as part of a two-stage effort by the middle of February. Tyson’s announcement was followed Tuesday by Holiday Resort’s decision to close its location in northwest Emporia by Friday.
United Way Chief Executive Officer Daphne Mertens says there are a lot of conversations about a possible one-stop shop for people needing information about services.
Tyson employees have donated almost $20,000 per year the last five years, so the company’s departure will have an impact on fundraising.
Speaking of fundraising, drive chair Tagan Trahoon says the effort, which is ongoing at this time, has been focused on new activities and new demographics even before this week’s announcements.
Mertens says Community Partners across the United Way of the Flint Hills coverage area are already seeing the impacts of the closures to come, and there will be a lot of requests for emergency help in several areas — including rent, mortgage payments, utilities and/or food.
