Friday, December 20, 2013

United Way Donations Translate Into Services



We are nearing the end of the year and also nearing the end of the United Way fund raising campaign.  Campaign is a combination of excitement and stress for me.  I am always so excited as company campaigns and individual donations arrive at our office, but also stressed since I worry about where the campaign total will fall.  For me the final tally is not about the money, but rather what the money translates into.  At United Way it is a very simple formula, money in equals services out.  By the same token, not enough money in results in some very difficult decisions for us, what services don’t we provide?  Do we not feed hungry children?  Do we not shelter homeless individuals in the bitter cold?  Perhaps we shouldn’t provide a break for a husband caring for his wife with dementia?  Or maybe a family living in a domestic violence situation should remain in that home?  None of these or many other service reductions are good options, and none of them are acceptable.  What makes it even more difficult is the sheer volume of individuals affected by United Way and the decisions that we make.  Last year over 12,000 individuals were served by programs and partners of our United Way.  That is a whole lot of people being affected by the results of the campaign. 

All donations at whatever level make an impact at United Way.  When United Way loses a donation as little as .50 cents a week, or $26, for the year it translates into our ability to not shelter a homeless one night of the week, each week for the year.   As I am writing this it is -7 degrees outside, and I know that night of shelter can sometimes be the difference between life and death.  A loss of a donation of $1.00 a week, or $52 a year, means that one of our senior citizens that relies on a home-delivered meal will not eat for a week. 

The best of all scenarios is that United Way is not faced with making any of these tough decisions.  Remember donations in equal services out.  Donations to United Way stay local and when you choose to give you are providing meals and a warm bed on a cold night right here in our community.  Donations may be mailed to: Marshfield Area United Way, PO Box 771, Marshfield, WI, or dropped off at the United Way office at 156 S Central Avenue. A secure donation can also be made online with your credit card at www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

Paula Jero, Executive Director
Marshfield Area United Way

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Time To Make A Difference



Late. Not a word that typically makes anyone happy. Bosses don’t appreciate employees being late for work. Expecting mothers aren’t usually too excited about their newborn child deciding to arrive late. And we all know how companies feel when you don’t pay a bill on time. But late, in this circumstance, isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The annual community campaign at Marshfield Area United Way is embracing the thought that the campaign is running a little late this year. The fact is, this means there is still time to make a contribution to this year’s campaign. It’s never too late to help make a difference. Any donation, large or small, does matter, so please consider investing in our community today. Your donation will support crucial community programs in the coming year that will help make the Marshfield area a better place to live. Here are just some of the ways your gift made a difference in our community last year:

Last year, with your help, 12,149 people received services in Marshfield and ten surrounding communities. Last year, because you care about your community, 303 seniors were able to remain living independently in their home through the help of United Way programs and 2310 people facing crisis had their basic needs met. Last year, 1218 books were distributed through the Reach Out and Read program, promoting early childhood literacy and 735 backpacks with supplies were distributed to area students. Last year, your investment helped provide mentorships to 4052 area children and youth.

Marshfield Area United Way’s annual community campaign is currently at fifty-five percent of the $900,000 goal set by the Board of Directors to meet our community’s health and human service needs in 2014. Your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to: Marshfield Area United Way, PO Box 771, Marshfield, WI, 54449 or dropped off at the United Way office located at 156 S Central Avenue. A secure donation may also be made online. Simply visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org and click on “Give Now.”