By Charles, Edwena, Rebecca, and Nicholas Crowe
United Way of Anderson County’s 2013-14 Campaign Chairing Family
As the holidays are upon us, we are reminded of how fortunate we are and become increasingly aware of how many others do not share our good fortune. Donors are inundated with requests for food, spare change, and gifts to make the holidays brighter for those who are struggling. It is a season of giving, so to speak, but what happens when the calendar strikes January? Back to work, back to school, and back to our routines, but the needs are still there for many in our community. There are still more than 50 percent of children on reduced lunch programs in our schools, there are still families visiting emptying food pantries, and working poor who make every effort to support their families and still have to choose between paying the electric bill or the rent. United Way of Anderson County works to mobilize the caring power of our community to create lasting change.
UWAC had to reduce funding to our partner agencies by $200,000 last year. These agencies do a phenomenal job of leveraging their allocations and running their programs so efficiently, doing more with less. A dollar a week in our pocket doesn’t seem to go very far, but $1 a week invested in the Green Thumb Garden Program run by Second Harvest Food Bank can provide gardening supplies to grow $1,400 of food for three families, fresh produce that is not often found on pantry shelves. Ten dollars a week can provide emergency food, clothing, and shelter by American Red Cross for a family of three in a time of crisis. Each year, a team of more than 30 community volunteers closely audits the agencies and programs requesting funding. Your friends and neighbors make certain your dollars are being efficiently invested.
Raising money in this economy is hard, but reviewing these much-needed programs and deciding which ones will not receive funding is harder. UWAC has a 10-year strategic plan to fund programing that will create a brighter and more secure community and future for all residents in Anderson and Campbell counties. Please help us to continue that mission and give as generously as you can, knowing every $1 will make a difference.
Many of you have given through your workplace or individual donation, and we thank you! If you’ve not yet been asked or had the opportunity to give, you may download a copy off our website at www.uwayac.org or donate through PayPal online.
Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone special? Why not give the gift of a brighter future with a gift to UWAC in their name? Truly, the gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you to the many volunteers, donors, and advocates that have supported UWAC in serving this community! May your season be joyous!
UWAC and its 34 community partners have 51 vital programs that address three core needs of the community: Basic Human Needs, Youth Development, and the Needs of Seniors. For more information, call (865) 483-8431 or visit www.unitedwayandersoncounty.org.
See a United Way pledge card here: United Way Pledge Card 2013-14. You can also see a link to the card here: http://www.uwayac.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=p2NO73Nsdhs%3d&tabid=1324.
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