By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
A group of philanthropic Canadian County women have now distributed a quarter million dollars over the past three years to support nonprofit service agencies in this county.
Power of 100 Canadian County (cc) representatives on Oct. 10 presented their latest gift – totaling $17,662 – to Compassionate Sharing of Yukon. These funds have been designated for Yukon Sharing’s food pantry.
The Compassionate Sharing charity organization – also known as Yukon Sharing and Compassionate Hands – was selected as the recipient at Power of 100cc’s 13th quarterly donation event Oct. 2 hosted by Green Chile Kitchen.
In February 2021, Yukon Sharing received $15,600 the first time it was chosen by Power of 100 members. That money was used to buy a commercial freezer and refrigerator – and build a website.
“We’ve never had another group that has won twice,” said Tammy McKee, president of Power of 100cc. “It just tells you where our heart is – trying to serve people.
“This is definitely something needed in the community.”
Power of 100cc is comprised of about 200 area women from all walks of life who share a common goal to support local charities in Canadian County.
“This was our third anniversary,” McKee said. “As of this event, we have given away $250,000.”
Yukon Sharing program director Missy King accepted the $17,662 donation alongside Compassionate Sharing board members and volunteers. The funds will be put to good use.
“We have to upgrade the electrical in our garage because we need to add more freezers and refrigerators to hold food,” King said.
“We want to thank everybody who voted for us. It was a blessing the first time. It’s a double blessing this time. It has come at the right time!”
Three years ago, Yukon Sharing was helping about 200 people a month. Today, that monthly total exceeds 1,000 who need food and clothing.
Yukon Sharing also provides Christmas food baskets for clients and snacks and food for Yukon Schools’ winter break student backpack program.
Compassionate Hands and Yukon Sharing recently merged to form Compassionate Sharing.
The mission of Compassionate Sharing is to provide essential resources and support to those in need.
Through their food and clothing pantry, transportation services and rent assistance programs, Compassionate Sharing aims to create a safety net for those who are most vulnerable in the community.
The new organization will leverage the strengths of both Compassionate Hands and Yukon Sharing, combining forces to better serve the community.
They will continue to serve residents at their same locations, now with the same mission.
These services include Yukon Sharing providing food and clothing at 4 N 6th and Compassionate Hands providing transportation services and rental assistance at 119 S 6th.
THEY’VE GOT THE POWER
McKee, a Yukon resident who worked 28 years with Yukon Public Schools, loves spreading the word about Power of 100cc.
“I am delighted to be a founding member of an organization that has such a simple, powerful and effective concept! It has been amazing to see how four meetings a year can have such a big impact on local charities and our community.”
Power of 100cc members learn about the hundreds of charitable organizations in their local communities – and the needs they address.
“The organization’s focus on collective giving has been very successful,” said founding member Anita Bishop, the board’s secretary.
“Each time we present checks to these charitable organizations, we get a much clearer understanding about the services that they provide to people in our local community and the ways that the Power of 100 is helping address those needs.”
Tresa Smith, a founding member and the board’s vice president, said she loves helping others in her community.
“The events are fun, informative and always make a big impact,” said Smith, a Geary resident. “I have learned a great amount of information about the local charities in our area and enjoy giving back to a community that means so much to me.
“The women of Power of 100cc are amazing and so are our local charity organizations.”
Women who want to become part of Power of 100cc’s mission are welcome to join. The organization meets four times a year. For more information, visit the website powerof100cc.org.
