United Way volunteer Jim McFarlane (right) discusses a project with Tim Wallace. “I love volunteering for the United Way because my investment of time, talent and resources are spread across a wide away community causes and needs. I believe I get the biggest bang for my volunteer buck, so the speak, by working through the United Way of Union County.”
United Way is recruiting volunteers to help accomplish its mission to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives.
Resolve to get involved in 2014! United Way of Union County is recruiting volunteers to help accomplish its mission to bring
neighbors and resources together to improve lives.
“If you think that you don’t ‘have time’ to volunteer, United Way has so many different opportunities whether they are big or small,” said Bethany McAdow, a Marysville resident and United Way volunteer. “There will always be something that would fit into your schedule.”
McAdow, a mother of two and Medical Receptionist at Memorial Hospital, makes time to serve on the Women with a Mission Committee, which works to supply around 900 books a month to children under age 5 in our community through promotion and fundraising for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
“I believe it is important to give my time and talents back to my community because this is my home,” McAdow said. “My husband and I were raised here. I believe you need to take care of the place where you live, work, play, and go to church and school.”
With only three staff members, United Way relies heavily on volunteers. Roughly 120 volunteers participate on monthly committees and dozens of others pitch in at one-time events throughout the year.
“I enjoy the chance to get out of my office to meet and work with so many talented and enthusiastic United Way volunteers,” said Jim McFarlane, owner of MeterMall USA and Chairman of United Way’s Publicity Committee. “In the end though, it isn't about me, but what we as a team can accomplish for the greater good of our community. The work is fun and incredibly rewarding.”
McFarlane’s Publicity Committee is looking for volunteers interested in helping with photography, feature writing, video, survey and market research, and digital advocates to help with social media.
United Way volunteers Kim Zacharias (left) and Bethany McAdow (right). “Of all the organizations and causes in town to pick from, I chose United Way because the programs help such a broad spectrum of people in our community,” says McAdow. It seems that United Way has something to offer everyone in need.” United Way is recruiting volunteers to help accomplish its mission to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives.
The Women with a Mission provides a forum for concerned women to discuss needs that are important to local women and to find solutions. They are involved with maintaining our early childhood literacy program, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This group meets monthly throughout the year.
The Campaign Committee is responsible for raising the money we use to fulfill our mission. They coordinate the annual campaign each fall. Tasks include asking for monetary gifts, coordinating the United Way campaign in your workplace, speaking about United Way at presentations, making phone calls, writing letters, preparing mailings, and helping with fundraising events. This group meets monthly throughout the year.
And the Youth Arts & Recreation Committee administers and raises money for our unique grant fund that allows youth to be involved in positive, structured after-school and summer activities if their families cannot afford the participation fees. It reviews grant requests and conducts the annual Putt FORE Kids Mini-Golf Challenge each June. This group meets monthly throughout the year.
“People shouldn’t be afraid to volunteer,” McAdow said. “The lives that you touch will change yours forever too. Follow your heart. Whatever your passion is, volunteer there.”
“Just do it,” McFarlane said. “Pick up the phone and call the United Way. Once you get involved you'll wonder why you didn't make the decision sooner.”
Interested in getting started? Call us at (937) 644-8381 or visit http://getconnected.unitedwayofunioncounty.org.
United Way works to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives in Union County. United Way of Union County has raised more than $18 million for local needs since it was established in 1958. More than just a fundraiser, United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and non-profit organizations to solve pressing social service issues large and small. United Way supports six area pantries, four senior centers, two shelters, an after-school youth center, a homeless prevention program, rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, prescription medication, hospice care, cancer support, youth activities, and more.
For more information, please visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org.
