United Way kicks off annual fundraising campaign

By Kendra Simpson

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is striving to create better days for those in need, and the nonprofit is asking for the community’s support to reach its goals this year.

Since 1916, United Way has raised funds every year to support local programs and agencies that help individuals in need.

This year’s campaign, themed “Better Days Made by You,” kicked off Thursday morning and offered event attendees and those who donated to the cause an inside look at United Way and its network of agencies’ good deeds throughout St. Joseph.

“We support 17 partner agencies here in St. Joseph,” campaign co-chair Doug Walter said. “It’s literally support of cradle-to-grave of people and inviting people to do whatever they can to help.”

The campaign has already raised over $800,000 thanks to Pacesetters such as the Mustangs baseball team, the Bartlett Center, Altec Industries and many more.

United Way is challenging St. Joseph residents to be a “better day maker” by giving donations, advocating for its mission and volunteering.

“The United Way is very important in our community to give support to all kinds of people in all walks of life and we really want to support that community,” campaign co-chair Carol Walter said. “One of the things that’s really important in the United Way is that no matter what you can give, it spreads throughout the city. That’s our (reason) why we give to the United Way is how many agencies it serves with a small or large gift.”

“I think the big thing to know with United Way is that this agency is very transparent,” Walter said. “And $0.92 of every dollar stays in St. Joseph or the surrounding community that we serve, so if you have any question about validity of your dollar, United Way is the place to go.”

To learn how to help United Way, its network of agencies and the community, visit the group’s website at https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/betterdays.