The United Way of Midland County community campaign continues to make progress, reporting pledges totaling $654,254 at the end of week two. This represents a promising 15% of the $4,500,000 they hope to raise this year.

“We are off to a good start,” shared 2016 Campaign Chair Rich Wells. “Many organizations are just getting started. I am impressed with the high level of creativity in the ways organizations are bringing the United Way message to life this year.”

Midland Public Schools invited United Way to join their all staff meeting to hear about the ways their support impacts the kids in their classroom. On day one of their campaign, they raised over $16,000, an impressive increase of 115% from the first day in 2015.

Fisher Contracting inspires their employees to give back during the spring each year. They are reporting great results, raising $46,138, a 3% increase. In addition to their generous employee giving, they provide a corporate gift and match all employee contributions.

Many organizations invite guest speakers to their organizations to experience the impact in action. Employees at Meijer, Younkers and Cabot were excited to learn more about the needs in our community and experience stories of local people whose lives are being transformed.

“There’s a misperception out there that there isn’t a need in Midland County,” shared Rich. “But when you look at the statistics, they tell you otherwise. We have a population that lives in poverty, but we also have a rather sizeable part of our community that falls in the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) category. Representing 19% of our community, these are the many hardworking families who are one crisis from falling into poverty.”

Many organizations are incorporating United Way into their new-hire events.  Dow Chemical recently held a regional event that included United Way and their funded partners as a way to help educate and inspire new staff to lend their support.

A key message for many new employees is exploring Young Leaders United as a way to engage in the community. Young Leaders United encourages the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s. Members donate $250 or more each year and commit to at least 15 volunteer hours.

United Way of Midland County works to ensure everyone reaches their full potential by focusing on the building blocks for a good life— Education, Health and Self-Sufficiency.

They recruit the people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.

 

For more information on how you can Live United, call 631-3670, or visit their website at www.liveunitedmidland.org.