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Posted on September 06, 2011 12:44
Kicking Off The 54th United Way Campaign
BY PAM KETTERING
Yankton Area United Way
Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 10:25 PM CDT
Remember the initial campaign of the United Fund in 1958? The campaign was to help eight agencies with their funding to eliminate each of them spending massive time, energy and money to raise needed funding. The United Fund was organized to reduce the number of times businesses and households were asked to share their resources for the programs that served the citizens of all ages when they needed a helping hand.
The names of the campaign volunteers have changed. The goal numbers have changed – from $24,250 to the current goal of $470,000! Some of the agencies have not changed; although a number of different agencies have been added. Also, the service area of the programs has expanded.
As the community has grown, so has the need for additional services. Domestic violence was not addressed when the United Fund began. Single parent households were a rarity. More mothers tended children at home and were there when their older children came home from school. More extended families lived nearby. Activities for children were limited in comparison. Cultures were similar. Technology was in its infancy. Life was quite different compared to today; as many will reminisce the “good ole days.”
However, the purpose for conducting the fundraising has not changed. People in the greater Yankton area still need a helping hand to build a better future.
• Parents seek ideas to teach their children needed skills and prepare them for school.
• Families want their children to have a safe, healthy place to go before and after school when their work hours are greater than when their children are in school.
• When disaster strikes, emergency assistance is paramount in the lives of victims.
• When domestic violence is beyond endurance, safe shelter and critical resources are often life-saving.
• Nutritious meals and socialization maintain an independent life style for isolated seniors.
• Transportation enables kids to get to school, people to get to their jobs, doctor appointments kept, essential errands to take place, or a solution to isolation.
• Youth to share valuable time with role models to raise their self-esteem, learn new skills, develop healthy relationships, gain leadership skills, share their time and talents with community.
All of these reasons plus many, many more are enabled with one annual campaign that raises awareness of the needs in the community. The campaign not only raises awareness of the issues addressed, but it also encourages every individual to share an affordable part of their resources to provide necessary services.
Donating $1.00 a week through payroll deductible or making a contribution of $2.00 per agency (or $42.00) would bring financial success to the 35+ programs that depend on this campaign. For example: $1,00 per week would fill 10 bags of food from the Contact Center, $2.50 per week provides 65 rides with Yankton Transit, $5.00 per week pays the registration fee for five Special Olympic teams at the state meets.
The 35+ programs operate on very efficient budgets with minimal staff. Two agencies are managed by very committed volunteers! With federal and state funding getting cut or reduced, the financial burden of supporting critical services is pushed to other resources, such as the United Way & Volunteer Services’ campaign.
Please thoughtfully consider a donation to the 2012 campaign that builds a brighter future to thousands of our neighbors. The quality of life improves for each of us when our neighbors in need are assisted. Check out our web site – www.yanktonunitedway.org or call our office at 665-6766 for additional information.
The United Fund has evolved into the United Way & Volunteer Services. Your personal involvement in the work of building futures will be greatly appreciated! Thank you for caring!
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