Why give to the United Way?
Ever since we were young, we've been asked the hypothetical question, "What would you do with a million dollars?" (or something similar to that), and just because it sounded admirable, we would answer, "Give some to charity." Yet, many times we can't even name a single charitable program in existence. Then, when the list is presented to us, it can be complicated to keep up with what charity serves what purpose. However, if we donate to the United Way, we are, in a sense, giving to many charities at one time.
For example, take the American Red Cross. They are busy enough receiving blood donations and helping out with the local hospitals, and
therefore they don't have a great deal of time to do their necessary fundraising. The United Way will accomplish that fundraising and then split the pot with them and other charitable institutions.
The United Way is a non-profit
organization started by the National Football League to raise money for other
non-profit agencies, and they are controlled by local branches of volunteers. Kenny Fogle,
one of the co-founders of the local organization (created in 1986), explains:
"The United Way serves as one of the primary fund sources for
charitable agencies serving the citizens of Nelson County. The backbone of the fundraising comes through payroll deduction from the workers in Nelson County businesses and industries and from several gifts from local business owners. The United Way is a non-profit (IRS Code 501-C-3) organization run by an all-volunteer board of directors dedicated only to raising the necessary funds to operate these charitable agencies."
Every day of the year, the money donated is at work helping solve problems like substance abuse, addressing the needs of disadvantaged children, and supporting services from day care to emergency shelters. The United Way has almost a century's reputation of being the most cost-effective way of caring about your own community. Anchored by thousands of hours of community volunteer service, the United Way is able to keep fundraising costs low, allowing nearly all of the money to go directly to the agencies.
The generous gift given as a donation can be troublesome to make out in cash. Therefore, companies and employees agree to payroll deduction. This makes it possible for the contributor to be as generous as he/she likes, spreading payments throughout the year.
Fogle explains that the United Way distributes these donations to various establishments. They have, throughout the years, raised money to be dedicated to education, emergency assistance, and elderly care. Also, the money has been used in times of natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes.
The United Way of Nelson County
reaches many givers by advertising, via billboards, radio commercials, this Internet
website, and the traveling video. The video is an important element for volunteers take it around the community and present it to factory workers in order to inform them about what their money is going
to fund. The current video in particular lasts about eight minutes and covers all of the agencies and their current directors.
Altogether, these advertisements are made to get the word out concerning the primary objective of the organization. It is estimated that over 90% of all families in Nelson County will need assistance from an agency funded by the United Way. One of their characteristics is that most of the money raised in Nelson County is spent in Nelson County. In fact, 98.90% of money raised is spent on people who live in Nelson County.
The United Way provides the necessary link between people who care and the agencies that offer the assistance. There are numerous agencies that depend on the money donated. Communities working together can help supply the financial aid needed by agencies striving to meet the needs of many people.
Indeed, we can continue to manage our money wisely, while still being helpful to those
in need.