Kansas Star Casino gives $600,000 in gift cards to students

It's part of the Kansas All Star Scholar's program launched by the casino in January.

“That's when it was decided we wanted to give $1.5 million dollars to education in Sumner County & Mulvane each year.  So that is a contract with the state and that is something we're happy to continue to do,” said Kansas Star Casino representative Megan Strader.    

It’s one of many benefits Mulvane and Sumner County residents are enjoying as a result of the casino right now. 

“I think there's a lot of negative connotation that comes with casinos and bringing them to a small area, and problems that could be created with it. I think by doing this and helping with the students it shows they actually care about the community,” said gift card recipient Wendy Tiday.   

Each student will receive a Visa giftcard worth $100.  The card can be used to purchase items like clothes, shoes, school supplies or to help pay registration fees.

"We're anxious to put the cards in the hands of families that need them," said Jill Docking, Chair of the Kansas All-Star Scholars Fund. "We're even more anxious to see students return to school with the supplies they need to have a productive year."

Distribution will take place before or during each district's scheduled enrollment.  If a parent cannot make it to enrollment, the gift cards will be available from August 13-17 at the casino.  Pick up is from 8:30-5:30 at the Kansas Star Casino Human Resource Annex, located in the east side parking lot at Kansas Star Casino.

Parents will need to show identification before receiving the gift cards. Parents of new students also need to bring a copy of their child's registration.