With the start of a new campaign, the United Way of Leflore County is hoping to reach more and more individuals in Leflore County.
The 2002-2003 campaign began last week with a party at the home of United Way President Don Brock. This year's theme, Rescue the United Way, was carried throughout the event, and will continue throughout the campaign as well.
The mission of the United Way is "to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another."
Each year, the United Way Leflore solicits donations from the community to help benefit the various agencies it seeks to help. This year, there are 12 agencies throughout Leflore County and surrounding areas that will benefit from donations made by Leflore County citizens and businesses. The United Way has set a goal of $120,000. Of the money raised locally, 99 percent of it stays in Leflore County.
Community volunteers make up the Allocations Committee, and they determine where the money goes. Each year, committee members review annual agency budget requests, visit member agencies, approve allocations and monitor agency activities throughout the year.
Over the past few years, the United Way of Leflore County has added several new agencies to its list of those who will benefit from donations.
"We've added Greenwood Interfaith Ministries this year," said Brock. "Each agency fills a need in the community. There is very little overlapping. And, especially this year, there seems to be a new sense of cooperation and teamwork among the agencies to participate in the campaign."
This year's United Way beneficiaries include:
- The American Red Cross - A multi-purpose agency offering complete disaster services, first aid and water safety programs, services to members of the Armed Forces and veterans and youth service programs.
- Beacon Harbor - A structured home-like residential setting for the adult mentally handicapped of the area. It offers a full array of services, including medical and psychological attention, social and emotional development, educational and work-related skills training, plus physical and spiritual development.
- Boy Scouts, Chickasaw Council - A nationally known educational movement working as partners with local churches, schools and civic organizations to provide character-building activities, citizenship training and physical fitness through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers.
- Communities in Schools of Greenwood-Leflore - Part of the nation's largest stay-in-school network combining the efforts of businesses, volunteers and organizations to bring motivational, educational and human service projects to at-risk youth.
- Community Food Pantry - A locally supported, Federal Emergency Management Association-approved agency that provides food to those who, by referral, are in need and receive little or no assistance.
- Greenwood Community and Recreational Center - Provides a wholesome environment for youth, young adults and senior citizens with a variety of educational, motivational and physical activities. The center encourages participants to become productive citizens of society.
- Leflore County 4-H Clubs - 4-H is designed for youth between the ages of 8 and 18. Through selected projects, a 4-H'er "learns by doing," thus the 4-H motto. This is done with the help of local volunteers and the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
- Habitat for Humanity - Part of an international, non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that works in partnership with people in need to improve the conditions in which they live. Houses are built and sold to qualifying families with a 20-year, no-interest, no-profit mortgage.
- Northwest Mississippi Girl Scout Council - Girl Scouts is an organization offering informal educational opportunities through troop activities for girls of all ages. Girls learn to rely on themselves, to appreciate all kinds of people and to value justice and freedom.
- Salvation Army - This organization gives aid to local families and stranded transients through emergency disaster services, religious and character-building activities, welfare services, family counseling and regular church services.
- The Free Clinic - Manned by volunteer doctors and nurses from Greenwood Leflore Hospital, the clinic offers free medical office care to eligible clients who are working, meet certain income guidelines, have no insurance and are unable to pay for services.
- Greenwood Interfaith Ministries - Started in 2002, this organization is made up of a diverse group of churches and individuals. GIM provides a hot noon meal five days a week for those in need. Additional programs are planned as needs are identified. GIM emphasizes caring for one another and working together.
Agencies of the United Way meet the requirements for designation as United Way agency. These include a 501(c) (3) status, regular meetings of a volunteer governing board and annual financial reports.
Donations from this year's campaign will be disbursed by the Allocations Committee at the close of the campaign.
"We are encouraged by the community's optimism at a time when we've had some economic setbacks," Brock said. "The volunteers are enthusiastic and there seems to be more support from the existing corporate donors. We also have some new corporate donors this year as well."
