“$30 from 30 Campaign” Unprecedented grassroots effort hopes to raise $27,000 by end of February
Instead of winding down their long fundraising campaign, local United Way volunteers are gearing up for an unprecedented push to make their goal. United Way of Noble County is launching its new “30 from 30 Campaign,” hoping to make up a projected shortfall toward its goal of $200,000 with a widespread grassroots effort throughout the county.
A committee of 30 volunteers is being mobilized this week, each with the task of giving $30, and then asking 30 people they know to give $30 to United Way of Noble County in the month of February. If successful, the effort would generate $27,000 in additional donations, allowing United Way to continue providing for the needs of our community at a level that will have major impact. Last year United Way borrowed money from its reserves to ensure that partner agencies received enough funding to keep services available to residents in need. “We are not in a position to do that again this year,” said Lesa Cassel, United Way’s Board President for 2010.
“Campaign time is almost over and we are projecting a $30,000+ shortfall. This is to be expected given the bad economy and high unemployment rate. Add to that the number of people fearful about the future and you've got a surefire recipe for reduced charitable giving,” says Cassel. United Way of Noble County is currently at 81% of the goal, which is higher than many United Ways around the state.
United Way estimates that roughly 90 to 95 percent of its revenues come from residents giving via payroll deduction at area workplace campaigns and corporate giving. But donations are off this year due to poor economic conditions that forced several companies to forgo a 2009 campaign. To date, United Way has raised $162,000 and is projecting final results (without an additional effort) to come in around $170,000-$175,000.
“It’s not the number that’s important,” said Cassel, “it’s what that number represents. It’s a family that‘s going to be turned away for help when they need it the most. If we take no action, we will have to cut funding to vital social service programs. United Way can’t in good conscience let that happen without doing everything we possibly can to prevent it.”
The “30 from 30 Campaign” is being organized to reach out to those who do not have the opportunity to give via the workplace. Volunteers will be asking their peers to give via letter, e-mail, phone, in-person, and on social networking sites, such as Facebook.
“The number one reason why people don’t give is because they’re not asked,” she said. “So we’re going to ask as many people as we can in as many ways as we can.”
Why $30? “$30 is less than $1 a week, is a relatively easy amount to ask for, and goes a long way to help United Way’s partner agencies,” said Kristen Johnson, United Way’s Executive Director.
If United Way misses its $200,000 goal, funding cuts to social service programs will be forthcoming at a time when United Way’s agency needs are greater than ever. “Simply put, the people most in need will suffer the most. Important life-changing programs will lose vital funding. Our Member Agencies will suffer if we miss our campaign goal,” says Johnson. “We need the community’s help to prevent that scenario.”
If you would like to help with the effort, please contact the United Way office at (260) 636-8929. Residents may also choose to make a personal gift by sending cash or check to United Way of Noble County, 2094 North SR 9, Albion, Indiana 46701, or by pledging online at www.uwnoble.org.
United Way at 77% of $200,000 Goal Officials remain optimistic, but time is running out for United Way of Noble County’s 2009 fundraising drive.
Kristen Johnson, Director of United Way of Noble County, said the group, which supports several area not-for-profit agencies, has raised 77% of its $200,000 goal for the 2009 campaign.
Johnson said all money and pledges collected between now and February 1st will be counted toward the 2009 drive, so there is still time for residents and businesses to participate and raise money.
Some people and businesses wait until the end of the year to see how their budgets are doing before they give to charity. “If they can, some decide to donate that last week of December to make sure they lock in the tax advantages for the previous year,” According to Johnson. “I hope people realize that giving to the United Way is giving to several agencies at one time, all of whom are serving the critical needs of people right here in Noble County,” Johnson said. “Some of the organizations we support depend on United Way funding to get them through the year. If we don’t come through for them, these agencies will receive less funds at a time when more people than ever need the help. A gift to United Way would be a wonderful belated Christmas gift to the people of Noble County.”
Donations to United Way can be mailed to 2094 N SR 9, Albion, Indiana, 46701. For more information, please contact the United Way office at 260-636-8929.
United Way makes food bank contribution,
you can too
United Way of Noble County recently donated $1,400 to support five Noble County food banks this Christmas season. According to a United Way representative, “United Way has a small emergency fund that is set aside to be used in times of desperate need, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Board met recently and decided to use these available funds to support our area food banks since they are being hit so hard this season.”
United Way donated $280 each to the Calvary United Methodist Food Bank in Avilla, the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Rome City, the Central Noble Food Pantry, the West Noble Food Pantry, and the Friendship Food Pantry in Kendallville.
“The mission of the United Way of Noble County is to unite our communities’ efforts to improve the quality of life for all. Because of the generosity of the people of Noble County, the United Way is pleased to be able to support the area food pantries,” says Board Member Dave Shideler.
Anyone wishing to donate food or money to an area food bank may do so by contacting one of the agencies listed above, or by calling the United Way office at 260-636-8929 for more information.
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