Employees from Glacial Ridge Health System (GRHS) presented a check for $13,933 to the local United Way toward their annual LIVE UNITED fundraising campaign. This year’s donations far surpassed the goals set by GRHS’ United Way Committee. Their 2022 goal was to raise $10,000 with a stretch goal of $10,500.
“Our vision is that we LIVE UNITED, inspiring people to make a lasting difference in the lives of all,” stated Jen Jabas, Executive Director of United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties. “This was the best year we have ever had during our fundraising campaign, and what GRHS Employees collectively donated is amazing,” Jabas said.
The needs are greater than ever in our local communities. For example, the number of families served at the Pope County Food Drop has doubled in the past year. Jabas shared, “We used to average of 60-70 households at the food drop, and now it’s been around 120. With the cost of everything so high right now, more individuals and families who are on a fixed income or live paycheck to paycheck need a little assistance to get them through.”
The direct and long-lasting impact in our community of the United Way programs inspires generosity. 99 cents of every dollar raised in Pope County for the United Way stays in Pope County.
Contributing to the success of the fundraising drive at GRHS is the ease with which to donate. Employees may choose to donate by writing a one-time check, setting up payroll deductions, or using a PTO cash-out option. More than half of the United Way donations come through the PTO donation option. It gives many employees the ability to donate more than they could otherwise. Since the annual campaign began at GRHS in 2011, employees have donated over $100,000 to the local United Way.
About the United Way
United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties’ mission: We are changing the game by connecting people, resources and ideas to promote individual self-sufficiency through investments in health, education and financial stability. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
The needs are year-round, and so are the giving opportunities. Some of the United Way programs include the Food Drop, Coat Distribution, Equipped to Work, Traveling Treehouse, Backpack Attack, Stuff the Bus, Holiday Gift Program, and many more. Visit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties online or call 320-834-7800 to learn more.
