Glacial Ridge Health System employees generously invested in Pope County by donating $11,604 during the United Way’s fundraising campaign “LIVE UNITED.” Since the annual campaign first began at GRHS in 2011, employees have donated $70,363 to the United Way of Douglas and Pope County (UWDP). The donations go far, but never far away. 99 cents of every dollar raised in Pope County stays in Pope County, strengthening the whole community.
GRHS’ United Way Committee’s goal was to reach $9,000 with a pizza party for all employees if they raised $9,500. In just weeks, both goals were exceeded once again. Employees were given an opportunity to donate in numerous ways such as direct giving, setting up payroll deductions or through a PTO cash-out option. Being able to convert their PTO for a donation provides many employees the opportunity to donate more than they could otherwise. A thermometer used to gauge the donation level was posted in the hospital Café and helped keep everyone informed and excited about the difference each donation was making.
It is no secret the needs within the Douglas and Pope County areas are greater than ever before. United Way is working to advance the common good focusing on education, income, and health. The building blocks for a good life—leading to a stable job and enough income to support a family. The United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place.
In addition to the annual campaign, the UWDP has many fundraising events each year. Here are just a few of the programs that are helping the UWDP make a difference in our community – and where you can be involved.
Plant an Extra Row and donate your extra garden produce this summer. Additionally, the Mobile Food Drop is a monthly food distribution event in each county. Anyone who eats and lives in the coordinating county can utilize the program. By giving financially, you can support programs in our school district including Half Pint (milk breaks) for kindergarteners, the Traveling Tree House (a mobile learning center), Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (kids ages 0-5 can sign up to receive a new book each month), and Backpack Attack (healthy, self-serve food sent home with kids for the weekend). You can also make a big difference by donating school supplies in the fall (Stuff the Bus) and your family’s gently worn coats and cold weather clothing for children and adults for Coat Distribution each winter. During the holidays, the Adopt a Family for Christmas program helps families have a brighter Christmas.
Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people. LIVE UNITED. Visit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties online at www.uwdp.org or call 320-834-7800 to learn how you can donate or volunteer.
