Marco Reyes knows the power of strong families and connected communities. As Branch Manager at Landmark National Bank in Garden City, he brings that same commitment to his role as a board member and advocate for Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). For Marco, supporting families isn’t just a professional value, it’s personal.
When Marco and his wife, Megan, were raising their two children, they experienced firsthand the lack of child care options in Finney County. That experience sparked a desire to help other families access the resources they need to thrive. He knows that when parents have reliable support, children have a stronger foundation for success.
“As a manager, I also see how this impacts my staff, many of whom are mothers,” Marco said. “I wanted to be part of a solution that not only supports families like mine but also strengthens our community overall.”
Connecting with KCSL
That desire to make a difference led Marco to KCSL. His journey began with a conversation with a KCSL employee at a local Chamber Ambassadors event. Their shared passion for family support and early childhood education led to a strong partnership. Marco quickly recognized how closely KCSL’s mission aligned with his own values and decided to get involved.
KCSL’s work in Southwest Kansas, particularly through programs like Head Start, resonated with him. He had seen how limited early education options could affect families and wanted to ensure others had access to opportunities he was not aware of when his children were younger.
A Passion for Families and Community
Marco’s commitment reflects a broader truth: strong families create strong communities. When parents have access to resources and children receive quality early education, the benefits ripple outward. Families thrive, workplaces become more stable, and local economies grow stronger.
For Marco, this work is about creating a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live or their family’s circumstances. He sees KCSL as a vital partner in making that vision a reality.
“Time and service are some of the most valuable things we can give, especially when it comes to organizations like KCSL that are doing such important work,” Marco said.
Marco now serves on KCSL’s Board of Directors and volunteers his time in other ways. He has facilitated financial literacy sessions for KCSL parents and rallied his Landmark team to stuff backpacks for children starting kindergarten.
“Volunteering allows me to contribute in meaningful ways while also helping elevate the work KCSL is doing to support children and families,” Marco said.
The Power of Service
What stands out most to Marco about KCSL is its people. From leadership to frontline staff, everyone is dedicated to meeting families where they are and helping them succeed. That shared commitment motivates him to continue giving his time and energy to the organization’s mission.
Through his service, Marco hopes to inspire others to get involved. Whether it’s reading to children, hosting a parent workshop or supporting behind the scenes, every effort matters. Together, these acts of service create stronger, happier families for Kansas communities.
“This work doesn’t just benefit the families being served; it benefits our entire community,” Marco said. “Strong families make for a stronger workforce and a healthier local economy. That’s something we can all support.”
