The Darke County United Way relies on the generosity of the Darke County community every year for its annual support campaign. The majority of United Way funding comes from employee giving at various companies throughout the community. With shutdowns and layoffs due to COVID-19, employee giving is down for 2020.
“The needs are greater than ever, yet funding is down nearly $100,000 from last year,” stated Christy Bugher, Executive Director for Darke County United Way. “More folks need help, but we will have less money to provide that help.”
Traditionally, Darke County United Way raises around $550,000. This year they are expecting that number to be approximately $450,000. “We need the community’s help,” shared Bugher. “$100,000 is the entire budget for several of our agencies. Cutting this much money from our allocation budget will be detrimental to our nonprofit agencies. We need to make up as much of the difference as possible.”
In 2019, Darke County United Way financially supported 24 nonprofit programs that served over 21,000 Darke County residents. Roughly 40% of Darke Countians were touched by a United Way agency. Funded programs include rental and utility assistance, food banks, youth mentoring and tutoring organizations, cancer programs, hospice programs, mental health programs, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Many of these programs rely heavily on United Way Funding.
The United Way is asking the community for help. Please consider a donation to the United Way. No gift is too small or too large. United Way is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. All donations/gifts are tax deductible. Additionally, the United Way has a monthly “Pizza for a Purpose” where you can donate to the United Way simply by eating pizza. Follow their FB page for information on that fundraiser. Also, they are planning an online auction for 2021. If you have a business that is interested in donating an item for the auction, please contact Christy Bugher at 937-547-1272 or Christy@darkecountyunitedway.org.
In conclusion, Bugher stated, “I’ve seen this community pull together in challenging times. Now is one of those times where we need everyone to be generous with their resources. If you are able to give financially, please do. We all need to do our part to make sure Darke County continues to thrive despite our challenges.”
Donations may be mailed to Darke County United Way, PO Box 716, Greenville, OH 45331.
Darke County United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every Darke County resident.
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