United Way Makes a Difference
by William “Brother” Rogers
We can do more together than we can separately. That’s the main idea behind United Way, and that’s why giving to the United Way of North Central Mississippi makes such a big difference. The 1998 annual campaign has just begun, and everyone is invited to participate. My family supports United Way because we value the positive impact United Way agencies have in our local community.
With 20 agencies under its umbrella, United Way is the major charitable organization in our area, outside of the churches. One gift to United Way helps young and old, black and white, men and women, and boys and girls. The ability to help such a broad cross section of individuals is another reason my family supports United Way.
A listing of United Way agencies shows their widespread effect in our community: American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Brickfire Project, CONTACT Helpline, Epilepsy Foundation, 4-H Clubs, Fellowship Foods, Habitat for Humanity, North Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Pilot Club Mini Bus, Prairie Girl Scout Council, Oktibbeha County Humane Society, Recovery House, Safe Haven, Salvation Army, Sally Kate Winters Children’s Home, Trinity Homemaker Services, and Very Special Arts. That’s a lot of bang for the buck.
Often these agencies work together to solve community problems and meet human needs. For example, last month the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, both United Way agencies, came to the aid of a mother of two who lost everything in a fire. Our community depends on United Way, and United Way depends on caring people like you.
Another reason to give to United Way is that the money stays in our community. Since United Way’s overhead costs are minimal (thanks to volunteers), the money donated goes directly to the agencies and the people who need help. An allocations committee made up of local volunteers determines who gets the money and how much. This committee annually monitors agencies, operations and programs for their effectiveness.
This year’s campaign slogan is “Building a Caring Community” and the goal is $260,000. When asked to give, I hope you will participate. The amount is not important, but your participation is. Again, your one gift to United Way will pay for hot meals and personal care for the elderly, opportunities for scouting, houses for the working poor, youth leadership programs, transportation for senior citizens and the disabled, temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence, after-school programs for children in low income families, and much more.
The custodial staff at Mississippi State University has 100% participation in United Way. This example inspires those of us who are volunteers and is a challenge to every organization in our community. This kind of caring and commitment is what will enable us to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for services to youth, elderly and the disadvantaged.
We can do more together than we can separately by supporting United Way.
We can do more together than we can separately. That’s the main idea behind United Way, and that’s why giving to the United Way of North Central Mississippi makes such a big difference. The 1998 annual campaign has just begun, and everyone is invited to participate. My family supports United Way because we value the positive impact United Way agencies have in our local community.
With 20 agencies under its umbrella, United Way is the major charitable organization in our area, outside of the churches. One gift to United Way helps young and old, black and white, men and women, and boys and girls. The ability to help such a broad cross section of individuals is another reason my family supports United Way.
A listing of United Way agencies shows their widespread effect in our community: American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Brickfire Project, CONTACT Helpline, Epilepsy Foundation, 4-H Clubs, Fellowship Foods, Habitat for Humanity, North Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Pilot Club Mini Bus, Prairie Girl Scout Council, Oktibbeha County Humane Society, Recovery House, Safe Haven, Salvation Army, Sally Kate Winters Children’s Home, Trinity Homemaker Services, and Very Special Arts. That’s a lot of bang for the buck.
Often these agencies work together to solve community problems and meet human needs. For example, last month the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, both United Way agencies, came to the aid of a mother of two who lost everything in a fire. Our community depends on United Way, and United Way depends on caring people like you.
Another reason to give to United Way is that the money stays in our community. Since United Way’s overhead costs are minimal (thanks to volunteers), the money donated goes directly to the agencies and the people who need help. An allocations committee made up of local volunteers determines who gets the money and how much. This committee annually monitors agencies, operations and programs for their effectiveness.
This year’s campaign slogan is “Building a Caring Community” and the goal is $260,000. When asked to give, I hope you will participate. The amount is not important, but your participation is. Again, your one gift to United Way will pay for hot meals and personal care for the elderly, opportunities for scouting, houses for the working poor, youth leadership programs, transportation for senior citizens and the disabled, temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence, after-school programs for children in low income families, and much more.
The custodial staff at Mississippi State University has 100% participation in United Way. This example inspires those of us who are volunteers and is a challenge to every organization in our community. This kind of caring and commitment is what will enable us to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for services to youth, elderly and the disadvantaged.
We can do more together than we can separately by supporting United Way.