United Way aims to raise $600,000

 The local United Way is launching its annual fundraising campaign with a monetary goal of $600,000.

“Work United, Give United, Live United” is the theme of the 2013 United Way fund drive, which benefits a variety of nonprofit agencies in Northwest Montana.

The campaign continues through Dec. 31, 2013, a month shorter than last year’s drive and two months shorter than the drive two years ago.

“Over the past few years, we have extended the drive into the next calendar year to coincide with the donation schedules of the global corporate leadership,” said Sherry Stevens, United Way executive director. “Our board believes it is important to return to the traditional ending of the campaign on Dec. 31, and we’re completing that transition process this year. We’ll be back to a traditional, 12-month schedule for the 2014 campaign.”

She stressed that community needs are greater than ever and encouraged people to give generously to help their neighbors.

United Way member agencies from throughout the Flathead Valley have displays at the Kalispell Center Mall the week of Oct. 7 to help kick off the campaign.

On Saturday, Oct. 12, there will be entertainment, face painting, balloons and clowns throughout the day.

Donations to the annual fund drive benefit United Way member agencies and services in Flathead County, serving thousands of local individuals and families with a variety of needs. The United Way also provides community resources including the annual Answer Book, a counseling directory, the Montana 211 project, a Volunteer Center and the FamilyWize prescription program.

Last year, member agencies helped 51,631 people in need. Ninety-nine percent of all money raised stays in local communities to help local citizens.

Among the services provided by United Way Member Agencies during the past year:

v 34,408 meals were prepared for 893 people in emergency shelters.

v 18,160 hours of tutoring helped 303 adults learn to read, do math or learn English.

v 25,387 nights of temporary emergency shelter were provided to 871 people.

v 1,573 children participated in after-school enrichment programs.

v 10,352 individuals were served 112,171 meals through donated food.

v 6,633 agency volunteers donated 531,484 hours of their time to help our community.

Donors may choose how to donate, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to a credit card, direct billing or  automatic bank transfers. Donors also may designate which member agencies or local affiliated partner agencies or the Montana Shares Federation they want to receive their gifts.

For more information on the United Way campaign, call 752-7266. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 7217, Kalispell, MT 59904.