2012-2013 United Way Campaign Aims to Spark a LIVE UNITED Movement
October 2012 / Hartsville Community Call to Action
1 in 5 people in Hartsville live in poverty. 1 in 5 people in Hartsville are uninsured or underinsured, unable to get healthcare. These are just two of many statistics that ultimately affect us all, says Sherri Diaz, Executive Director, United Way of Hartsville. “This year, we need more people to join the movement to Live United by supporting those in need and joining us in conversations on how we might work together differently in the future to create sustainable change.”
“Times are still tough for many of us,” explains Rodger Fuller, VP, Sonoco and United Way Board Chairman, “as hard economic conditions persist, times are critically hard for some. United Way donations provide a wide range of important assistance to struggling individuals and families including single parents or seniors on limited income, working people who suffer chronic illnesses and have no insurance due to rising costs or sudden layoffs.” Those with special needs or disabilities continue to face cuts in state and local budgets. Many of these people don't have anywhere to turn. That’s why the work of United Way is more important than ever.
With donations from businesses, their employees, and Hartsville retirees, United Way was able to bridge the gap to help over 6,000 people last year. Your donations made it possible to provide seventeen (17) grants across the community. Just a few of many services provided include early childhood education that gets kids ready to succeed by kindergarten; safe places and leadership development for children after school; emergency assistance and access to healthcare for working families; care for seniors, those with disabilities, and those fleeing from abuse.
Giving to United Way is the best way to have the broadest, biggest impact across the community. “Over the next four months, we need to come together to raise $275,000 to continue to support these important services” says Rodger Fuller, “and we need more businesses and people to get involved.”
The United Way Campaign officially kicked off in October and will run through the end of March 2013. The goal is to increase the number of people joining the effort to Live United for Hartsville. Says Diaz, “We need to raise money, that’s critical. But, we also importantly want to hear from businesses, their employees, and others. We want to know what they think are the most pressing issues affecting them and the community.”
The United Way Call to Action this year: Join the movement to Live United. Give what you can, advocate, and volunteer to support the community. Be part of making a difference and join the conversation to create opportunities for change.
To learn more about United Way’s work and community partners, browse unitedwayhartsville.org.
If you would like to partner with United Way by hosting a conversation and campaign at your workplace, contact Sherri Diaz by phone 843.307.4748 or email unitedwayhartsville@gmail.com. Donations made payable to United Way of Hartsville can be mailed to: United Way Hartsville, PO Box 756, Hartsville, SC 29551.