United Way 97 percent to goal
COSHOCTON – United Way of Coshocton County is 97 percent to its fundraising goal despite losing one of its major contributors this year.
Last year United Way went above and beyond its fundraising goal of $380,000 so the board felt comfortable reaching for a higher mark this year and increased the goal to $395,000. That decision was made before the closure of WestRock, who was the top giver the last 10 out of 12 years. Fortunately, others have stepped up to help fill the void left by WestRock.
In January United Way received a $50,000 one time gift from the Coshocton Foundation that was allocated from the Joseph W., Fred E. and Helen LeRetilley Johnston Fund and the Joan Hartley Gross Memorial Fund. The public employees and agribusiness division of the campaign have both reached their goals and Coshocton City Schools and several industries have increased their fundraising.
“MFM more than doubled theirs,” said Lyn Mizer, executive director of United Way. “AK Steel has really ramped up their donations and Kraft has raised theirs with their growing number of employees.”
United Way has 19 partner agencies and funds are used by them in different ways.
“I know First Step uses United Way money as matching dollars for federal funds and several of our agencies are volunteer run so they use them for overhead expenses,” Mizer said. “We are ok with that because a lot of grant money can only be used to run a program, but you are still going to have overhead expenses like electric bills that need taken care of.”
United Way’s fundraising campaign started in August and will wrap up this month with the breakfast to recognize contributors. Money, however, usually continues to trickle in after the campaign is closed as this money will not be distributed to agencies until 2017.
Anyone wishing to still make a contribution to United Way’s fundraising campaign can send a check to the organization, ask them to bill them for a certain amount, visit their website or ask their employer for a payroll deduction.
“If you want your money to have a local impact then United Way is the best bang for your buck,” Mizer said. “It all stays here.”
She is moved by tears to see how the community has come together and helped United Way work toward its fundraising goal even after the loss of WestRock.
“This community sticks together and really wants to help one another out,” Mizer said.
For more on United Way, visit www.coshoctonunitedway.org or call 740-622-4567.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Clubs & Organizations
