The United Way of Effingham County is on its way toward reaching its 2013 fundraising goal.
Pledges received so far add up to more than 40 percent of the United Way’s Effingham campaign goal of $310,075, according to United Way Effingham Area Director Bonnie Dixon.
“United Way is working every day to make a positive impact in the lives of our Effingham citizens,” Dixon said. “Anyone can be a part of making great things happen by volunteering, advocating or donating to our campaign.”
The campaign, which kicked off last month and runs through Nov. 22, raises money for 25 organizations and programs that provide a variety of services to people in Effingham County.
United Way provides funding to programs such as the American Red Cross, Big Brother Big Sister, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) for the Ogeechee Circuit, Effingham Victim Witness Assistance Program, Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center, Goodwill, LIFE, Inc., Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia and Coastal Empire Boy Scouts of America.
Dixon pointed out that a donation of any amount can make a difference.
“Your pledge of just $1 a week – $52 a year – can provide almost 200 pounds of food to a local food pantry, thanks to America’s Second Harvest Food Bank,” she said. “Another example, your pledge of $12 a month provides five therapeutic horseback riding lessons to a child or adult suffering from a physical or mental disability.”
The Effingham County School System, Georgia Power and Simpson Lumber have completed their employee campaigns for United Way, and campaigns are under way at Georgia-Pacific’s Savannah River Mill, Walmart, Kroger, Effingham Health System, BB&T and Certus Bank.
To simplify giving to the United Way, several local employers allow employees the option of payroll deductions for their pledges. Donors also can designate their pledges to a particular organization or program.
The United Way of Effingham County will make a 15-minute campaign presentation at any local business that is interested. For more information, call the United Way office at 826-5300.
As a “thank you,” each employee who attends a United Way workplace presentation will be entered into a weekly prize giveaway. A dozen local businesses have donated items valued at $500-$1,000 each.
