By Dee Olsen
Those familiar with the Merrill Area United Way know that fall is campaign time for us. It’s a critical time for us to raise money in the community to support the 19-20 agencies that rely on United Way funds to support the programs that service people. Also during the campaign we have a “black out period” whereby the funded agencies are asked to forego their own fundraising, allowing the focus to be on United Way. This is a customary policy for many United Ways with a short campaign time.
So far, we are off to a great start due to an exceptional campaign at Church Mutual Insurance Company. Their employees have been extremely generous with their giving, and then in turn the company matches the employee donations. CMIC’s successful campaign has allowed United Way to reset its goal at $190,000 to $195,000.
In early September a direct mailing was sent to every household with the request to make your annual contribution to United Way. In contrast to the Church Mutual Campaign, however, the response as of this writing is weak. United Way remains hopeful that people have unintentionally set the mailed request aside, with the intent to send in their checks or they have forgotten, but are still planning to send in a donation.
Even though we work hard every year to increase the funds raised, our efforts are offset by the rising needs of people who qualify for programs through the United Way funded agencies. Through these agencies we try to help people meet their basic needs (reaching toward financial stability) is one of the three major impact areas identified by United Way. It is the underpinning of how we chose to support agencies and make the critical difference we need to make in our community. The other two important impact areas are health and education. All are foundational in building a strong person and a better community.
Without meeting basic needs, however, it is hard to concentrate on anything else. Education and health will both suffer if basic needs are not met. United Way feels passionate about trying to help people in these areas. We can only “make a difference” with the help of local people who are willing to support our funded programs. As such, the annual campaign “IS IT”. Basic needs include getting a job, shelter, heat-electric-water utilities, food, clothing, transportation to get to a job, and childcare so a parent can work. Life can have drastic changes, and people lives can be turned upside down with the loss of employment, one’s health, the financial strain of caring for a sick relative, parent or spouse. We hope you are not faced with such circumstances but your neighbor or friends might be. We need your support today!
As the fall campaign continues, we ask that you please give generously to offer a helping hand to your neighbors, family and friends. Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition for all. All donated dollars remain local, unless designated otherwise by the donor.
United Way cares and is driven to make a positive difference in the Merrill area. To donate send checks to Merrill Area United Way, at P. O. Box 813, Merrill 54452. For further information email us at [email protected] ; or call our part-time office at 715-536-2016. Our website is http://www.merrillareaunitedway.org where Pay Pal donations can also be made.