31 October 2009

As Economy Struggles, So Do Charitable Efforts

from Midland Daily News


United Way of Midland County says just as the economy continues to struggle, so does its community campaign. The community has raised $3,886,990, which represents 81 percent of the overall $4.8 million goal. With just one week remaining, United Way needs to raise just under $1 million more.

“Now is the time for everyone in our community to pull together,” said United Way Executive Director Ann Fillmore. “This is a critical time for so many in our community, as federal and state funding sources continue to diminish.”

Many divisions made significant progress this week. In the Retail Division, Cal Tech announced their employees had come in at nearly 50 percent above goal, with a generous 100 percent match of each employee donation.

Case Systems, part of the Industrial Division conducted their first employee campaign, raising nearly $5,000. This includes two new Young Leader donors as well as a new Leadership Circle donor.

The folks from Deloitte, part of the Professional Division, reported a significant increase over last year. They raised nearly $34,000, adding two new Leadership Circle donors this year, brining their total to eight members.

The Public Service Division, comprised of city and county government, as well as schools and universities, made incredible progress with week. With many donations still to be reported, they are already at 94 percent of their 2009 goal.

“One of the things that make this community so unique is our ability to mobilize to meet the needs,” stated campaign chair Bob Rathbun. “We know that the needs are increasing and I am confident that our community will come together to finish strong.”

United Way strives to be a solutions provider to the Midland community and have identified three strategic focus areas — Education, Health and Self-Sufficiency. These are the building blocks for a good life: Equipping people with the tools to reach their full potential, empowering them to live independently and promoting health and healing.

United Way partners with 28 local agencies to offer targeted programs and services to help improve the conditions of everyone in Midland County. There are also many programs that are offered directly through United Way to help meet those needs.

Lunchbox Learners, a program of United Way, encourages local volunteers to share their love of reading with an elementary age student during the lunch hour once per week. Volunteers are needed to serve in six area elementary schools.

The FamilyWise prescription drug discount program is available to everyone, including those with or without insurance. There is no enrollment, paperwork or fee to use this program. Free discount cards are available behind the counter at most area pharmacies and on the United Way website. Last year, nearly 500 families participated, saving nearly $20 per prescription.

Many in the community need assistance with food. Last year alone, there were nearly 1,000 calls to 2-1-1 from people looking for food, and that number is increasing.

RE/MAX and The Dow Chemical Co. are joining United Way to sponsor a community-wide drive to help “Feed the Need” in Midland County from Nov. 13 through Nov. 3o. Check the United Way website at www.liveunitedmidland.org for drop-off locations.

About Case Systems:
Case Systems, a Michigan Company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of specialized industrial furnishings for such applications as exam rooms, clinical labs, and industrial workbenches.

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