The organization’s campaign is a significant fundraising effort involving many local businesses that have partnered with United Way to host various presentations and activities to generate awareness for County United Way’s work in the community. These partners support and encourage their employees to make a financial investment in the community through the United Way through payroll giving.
“It’s because of these corporate partnerships and the generosity of their employees that we can do what we do, which is to help people from all walks of life in the areas of health, education and financial stability,” said Michele Walker, Executive Director of County United Way. “The connections established and the donations made through these workplace campaigns allow us to provide funding to our partner nonprofits and help them keep their doors open to the people who need them most.”
“It’s been a long, hard two years for everyone, but especially for our nonprofit partners and their clients. For some of our nonprofits, their client demand has increased to an overwhelming level. We want this year’s campaign to bring them the hope they need – that things will get better because there is a community of caring, giving people who are willing to invest in the lives of others financially,” she said.
President of Garrett County Community Action, Duane Yoder said, “Garret County Community Action, Inc. is a proud partner of County United Way, Inc. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people in need by empowering them to become more self-sufficient. Providing essential services in collaboration and cooperation with partners, like County United Way demonstrates the importance of creating a better future for our communities. We are proud to #Live United.”
“The United Way workplace campaign is one of the greatest social inventions in American history. Workplace giving campaigns allow people from all walks of life to have an opportunity to come together and make a difference in the communities where we live and work.”, said Keith Sanders, Chief Wealth Officer for First United Bank & Trust.
“While workplace giving programs are a great way for employees to make a difference in their communities, the value to our local employers is equally as great. Partnering with County United Way to provide employees with a vehicle to give back to the community increases company morale and engagement while amplifying the company’s impact in the community.”
“County United Way represents the importance of all contributions to our communities, both in volunteering and financial giving, where individuals come together as a team to make a unified difference. As an employee of First United Bank & Trust, I enjoy working alongside my coworkers to help meet the various needs in our community. I love the thought that I am just one piece that helps complete the puzzle,” he said.
While County United Way sees much of its contributions through workplace campaigns, anyone can donate, even if they’re not an employee of a participating company. The smallest of donations can lead to meaningful change in the communities served by the County United Way, including Allegany & Garrett Counties in Maryland and Hampshire & Mineral Counties in West Virginia.
Community letters and letters to businesses and organizations that do not conduct payroll deduction campaigns have started being mailed. Residents who reside in one of the counties served by County United Way but work out of town are reminded that if their employer conducts a campaign, they can designate the money to come back to their hometown.
Contributions may be made through County United Way’s website, www.cuw.org, through PayPal or credit card. Checks can be mailed to 113 A South Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. Donations can be a one-time contribution, a recurring contribution, made in memory of or to honor someone
Walker concluded, “We have been doing this work for a long time, and we see when people come together to help others, hope is inevitable. Hope for the people who are being helped and hope for the ones that are providing the help. And we really see this year’s campaign as sort of a Campaign of Hope because we need that now more than ever.”
