It
is time once again for the United Way of Armstrong County to kick off
their annual fundraising campaign, and many long time supporters will
notice a few changes in this year's campaign.
This year, the United Way has selected ten local agencies, a reduction from 15 in the previous year's campaign. Some
of the agencies have a long time partnership with the United Way, while
some are new agencies. The agencies partnering with the United Way of
Armstrong County for the 2013 campaign are: ARC Manor, Community Action
Mentoring Program, Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center ( a
program of the Armstrong Educational Trust), Life Choices, Lifesteps,
Mechling-Shakely Veterans Center, Orphans of the Storm, Richard G.
Snyder YMCA, Salvation Army, and the Salvation Army Service Unit
In
addition to a change in the number of agencies, the United Way of
Armstrong County has changed the focus of the fundraising campaign. All
funds allocated to the partnering agencies will be going directly to a
program intended to impact the local community. All monies raised will
be directly impacting needs within Armstrong County.
The
United Way of Armstrong County has also restructured their budget in
order to reduce costs, and finding ways to utilize social networking to
conduct the campaign. A major portion of the campaign is being conducted
online, with donators being able to donate directly though the United
Way of Armstrong County website, as well as a fundraising site through
JustGive.org. In addition, members of the United Way are available to
give presentations to corporate groups. Donors have an option to
designate an agency to receive their pledged funds, and donors can even
chose other agencies beyond those ten partnering with the United Way.
With
the current economic difficulties and funding cut, many non-profits
find themselves in need of assistance. The United Way provides an
opportunity for people to support non-profits within their own
community, with full confidence that the funding will stay here at home
to support the needs of our neighbors. While the $150,000 goal for the
2013 fundraising campaign is ambitious, we believe strongly in our
community.
