Funding goal set at $850,000
United Way is kicking off its annual fundraising campaign with the theme “Great Things Happen When We Live United”
This year’s goal is $850,000. Last year’s campaign goal was $700,000, and the total raised exceeded that goal by $34,589, or 14 percent, United Way Director Sherry Stevens said.
The campaign continues through Dec. 31. Local businesses interested in hosting a United Way drive in their workplaces are asked to call the United Way at 752-7266 for more information or to request a presentation or campaign resources.
Stevens said community needs are greater than ever and encouraged community members to give generously to help their neighbors.
United Way supports a wide variety of nonprofit groups and projects to enhance self-sufficiency.
“The focus is on helping people who are working hard, but struggle to meet their basic needs or to get ahead,” Stevens said. “The United Way’s goal is to foster dignity and respect while striving to improve our community.
A recurring theme of the campaign is building, connecting and strengthening the community, along with focusing on the difference that an individual can make to help meet everyday needs of everyday people.
United Way has a variety of suggestions for ways that people can improve the world around them.
United Way member agencies from throughout the Flathead Valley will have displays at the Kalispell Center Mall the week of Nov. 3-7 to help kick off the campaign. On Saturday, Nov. 7, there will be entertainment, face-painting and balloons will for children of all ages 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. 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 50,873 people in need. Ninety-nine percent of all funds raised stay in communities to help local citizens.
Among the services provided by member agencies during the past year:
• 20,588 nights of temporary emergency shelter touched the lives of 541 people.
• 1,731 children participated in after-school enrichment programs
• 15,832 hours of tutoring helped 152 adults learn to read, do math or learn English.
• 41,851 hot meals were prepared for 628 people in emergency shelters.
• 1,844 Montana taxpayers of low to moderate incomes had their tax returns prepared for free.
• 5,260 agency volunteers donated 447,310 hours of their time to help the community.
• 7,231 teenagers participated in 19 alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention activities.
• 9,814 crisis line calls provided urgent help and support.
• 9,823 individuals received donated food to prepare nutritious meals.
Current member agencies are Big Brothers and Sisters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Glacier Country, CASA For Kids, Flathead CARE, Flathead Food Bank, Flathead Youth Home, Girl Scouts, Head Start, Literacy Center of Northwest Montana, Mental Health Crisis Line, Nurturing Center, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Samaritan House, Sinopah House, Special Friends Advocacy Program, Summit Independent Living Center and the Violence Free Crisis Line and Abbie Shelter.
Services supported by United Way include Disaster Care Services, Gateway Community Center, Leaders of Tomorrow, United Way 2-1-1 Montana Database Project, Grocery Delivery Program, Teens in Crisis, AARP and VITA Tax Service, Best Beginnings Community Council, Good Grief Camp and the United Way Volunteer Center.
The United Way also supports many area food banks.
Donors may choose how to donate, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to a credit card, direct bill, or through an automatic bank transfer. Donors also may designate which member agencies or local affiliated partner agencies or the Montana Shares Federation they want to receive their gift.
For more information on the United Way campaign, call 752-7266. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 7217, Kalispell, MT 59904.