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Update: 1/15/2010
As outside temperatures drop, the number of calls for assistance with heating and electricity pick up. Alarmingly, more than a handful of worried callers report that they have not been successful finding assistance prior to contacting United Way. Many of these callers voice concerns of keeping their children warm and safe this winter. For some, it is a matter of life and death.
The United Way links the community with resources that are available. "We know who to call, what to do if someone's at their wits end, we know where to send them," says Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director. Just recently the United Way received a call from a frantic, elderly man who was living in a camping trailer. The trailer leaked and the furnace had stopped working. Why was he living in a trailer? His wife had recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. They lost their home because of the medical expenses. The Coalition of H.O.P.E.S immediately began working with the man. He qualified for subsidized housing and, once in a safe environment, he worked with a H.O.P.E.S case manager to get his finances in order, including a budget. He is now working with the CareerLink to develop new job skills with the goal to return to work and eventually own his own home again. "You know many people who are struggling - and maybe you are, too - but now more than ever the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata needs support," said Mulvihill.
With seventy-five years of helping the community, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata established their campaign goal at $596,500. "We knew at the beginning of the campaign that our goal was going to be a challenge and certain events beyond our control have made fundraising even more difficult," said Dick Calkins, 2010 Mifflin County campaign ambassador. "But we increased our goal for a reason. The needs in the community are greater, so it is our responsibility to adequately fund those organizations that attempt to meet those needs."
At the time of this press release, the United Way reports raising $417,550 or 70%. A number of workplace campaigns are coming to a close and donations will continue to trickle into the United Way office in the coming weeks, but conservative expectations of those outstanding accounts still leave the overall campaign short of the goal, according to officials. The campaign officially closes on March 15, 2010.
"We believe this is doable if everyone gives a little bit," said Mark Partner, Juniata County campaign ambassador. "Our volunteers will continue to work hard over the next few weeks to follow up with current donors and look for new donors who can help us reach our goal."
"We need to thank everyone who has already given and we want to encourage those that haven't given to consider supporting the United Way. We are asking everyone to LIVE UNITED and consider an additional gift to this year’s campaign if possible,” said Linda Calkins, Mifflin County campaign ambassador.
Your United Way pledges support those organizations that are important in the life of communities, individuals and families. Consider the concept of giving to an organization that is in touch with the needs of the community and can respond appropriately. Donations can be made to the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, 13 East Third Street, Lewistown, PA, 17044. Phone: (717)248-9636 or online at www.mjunitedway.org
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