Whether it is ensuring that mothers-to-be get the obstetrical
care they need, providing families with assistance in heating
their homes, helping people access community resources or
encouraging young children to become excited about reading,
United Way of Greater Battle Creek plays an important role.
For more than eight decades, United Way has helped meet the
needs of our community. It channels funds to more than 50
programs that seek to strengthen families, serve the needy and
create brighter futures for residents.
But the only reason United Way is able to carry out its mission
is because of us, the people of greater Battle Creek who
each year reach into our pockets and donate to United Way.
Pooling our resources allows community services and resources to
be provided as efficiently as possible to those in need.
This year's annual United Way of Greater Battle Creek
fundraising campaign kicked off Thursday with a barbecue and an
ambitious goal of raising $5.1 million. That is a half-million
dollars more than last year's campaign goal. But the 2006
campaign surged past its goal to raise a record $5 million.
Can the United Way do even better this year? Only if we all
help.
While major contributors such as Kellogg Co. raise huge
amounts of money for United Way, every individual's donation is
important in helping reach the campaign's goal. We all have a
stake in helping our community.
Our United Way dollars go to help victims of domestic
violence through agencies such as S.A.F.E. Place. They provide
guidance for at-risk youth by supporting programs such as The
Advocates. United Way's support of the Food Bank of South
Central Michigan helps ensure that children and families get the
nourishment they need.
Through the work of 34 area nonprofit agencies, United Way
support is distributed among a wide range of programs and
services. United Way volunteers continually review and evaluate
where the money goes to make sure that it is meeting the most
important needs of our community.
In the coming weeks, most of us will have a chance to support
the United Way through campaigns at our places of employment. If
you do not have such an opportunity, you still can help by
calling 962-9538; going online at
www.unitedwaybattlecreek.org; or visiting the United Way
office downtown in Riverwalk Centre at 34 W. Jackson St., Suite
4B.
originally published September 9, 2007
reprinted with permission from the Battle Creek Enquirer
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