|
United
Way of Pierce County Announces $8.6 Million Goal for 2003
September 26 , 2003
United Way volunteers effectively
demonstrated how working together can make big differences
on Friday, as nearly 650 volunteers from 60 different organizations
and companies pitched in to complete 60 community service
projects across Pierce County as part of the Community Campaign
Kickoff. The Lakewood Family YMCA served as the Campaign Kickoff
site.
"Solutions happen when individuals work
together to make them happen," United Way president Rick
Allen said. "During our annual campaign, we will work
with nearly 700 companies and their employees to raise millions
of dollars that help thousands of people in need in Pierce
County. Our goal of $8.6 million this year is reachable if
everyone does their part."
Allen gave several examples of help given last
year to Pierce County residents, "thanks to the donations
of thousands of workers in Pierce County." The numbers,
Allen said, seem almost too large to be true, but are real
examples of people in our community getting the help they
needed right when they needed it most. A few examples include:
· 58,803 people slept safely with a roof
over their heads and food on the table,
· 36,480 youth increased their self-esteem through
after-school activities and mentoring programs
· 5,236 children and parents were provided with quality
childcare and parenting skills training.
"Times are even tougher now, with three
years of economic downturn," Allen noted. "That
means more Pierce County people are in need of a hand. And
that's what the United Way effort is all about. Over 100,000
people are going to Pierce County food banks each month, and
40% are working families. In addition, over the last year
nearly 30,000 people were turned away from local emergency
shelter programs. The gifts people make through United Way
help to create solutions to these issues by funding strong
nonprofit agencies who provide needed direct services to children,
families and individuals right here in our community."
"It is now crunch time for human services
in Pierce County. We really need our supporting organizations
to run strong and visible campaigns this year. To me, that
means allowing our staff and loaned executives to talk to
employees about how they can make a difference right now,"
Allen said. "And if your company is not running a campaign
now is surely the time to start. It's simple, it's actually
some fun if done right, it's entirely voluntary, and we are
ready to help make it happen. Just give us a call."
For more information or question about starting
a campaign, contact United Way of Pierce County at 253-272-4263.
|
