During a recent city council meeting, Leavenworth Mayor Griff Martin proclaimed the months of September through December as United Way months, highlighting the organization's significant contributions to the community. The United Way of Leavenworth County has been instrumental in fostering a better quality of life through its focus on education, income, and health. Last year, local citizens generously donated over $220,000 and volunteered their time to support various programs aimed at improving community welfare.

In addition to the United Way proclamation, Mayor Martin declared October 2nd through 12th, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week. This initiative aims to raise awareness about fire safety, particularly the importance of functioning smoke alarms in homes. The mayor emphasized the critical role of public education in reducing fire-related incidents, noting that home fires resulted in over 27,100 fatalities in the U.S. in 2022 alone.

The meeting also featured discussions on the city's ongoing efforts to provide smoke detectors to residents and ensure their proper functioning. The historical context of Fire Prevention Week was shared, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century, underscoring the long-standing commitment to fire safety in the community.

Both proclamations reflect Leavenworth's dedication to enhancing community well-being and safety, encouraging residents to engage actively in these initiatives.