April 23, 2024

United Way falls short of goal, seeks more donations

By Scott Thenhaus
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Sabrina Smead and her sons helped sign holiday cards to be sent to veterans, military families and soldiers abroad during the United Way of Jasper County’s Holiday Mail for Heroes event in December. United Way is working to plan a number of outreach events throughout the year, in addition to fundraising for local nonprofits to provide vital health and human services to Jasper County residents. (Submitted Photo)

It may be a new year, but United Way of Jasper County is still accepting donations to assist agencies throughout the area.

Currently, United Way has accumulated 65.2 percent of its total $363,000 goal for the 2015-2016 year. The same goal wasn’t reached last year, but Executive Director Jessica Lowe said she understands the challenges of an unstable economy. However, she said she believes the goal can be reached, and there are people who want to make a difference.

Ultimately, Lowe thinks the need has to be communicated more.

“I’m asking now to support your local United Way and help us support agencies who have requested money this year for their programs,” Lowe said. “Help us keep food on the shelf and mentors in school and vital life services in the community. If we don’t have those monies we are not able to give back to the community.”

On Thursday, United Way will have 24 community members throughout Jasper County divide up into teams and review grants submitted from 19 agencies. These nonprofit organizations are requesting a surplus of $80,000 from last year to assist a total of 32 different programs.

Lowe stressed this does not mean it is too late to donate to support communities throughout Jasper County.

“We really want to be more far reaching and help communities and nonprofits work together to improve Jasper County,” Lowe said.

The Jasper County Council for Prevention of Child Abuse (JCCPC) is one example of United Way assisting other nonprofits to benefit the area. For instance, JCCPC offer programs that provide home visits, baby checks, day care providers and parenting classes with the one sole focus of protecting the child.

The Director for Jasper County Child Abuse Prevention, Jackie Sparks, understands the importance of United Way.

“Without United Way funding, we would not be able to assist as many families with children. We are only able to help the highest needs that we can,” Sparks said.

In addition to supporting area nonprofits which may not be able to raise the funds themselves, the United Way raises awareness about the health and human service agencies in communities throughout Jasper County. Also, the programs the United Way financially assists provide vital needs like food, shelter, home assistance, literacy support, tax assistance, advocates for sex abuse victims and domestic violence cannot be supported unless United Way is supported.

“A lot of nonprofits are so small that they cannot afford fundraising and writing grants so that is where United Way steps in to provide and help with these vital life services,” Lowe said.

Although the “Live United” campaign ended in November, money donated until March 31 will be gifted to other nonprofits throughout Jasper County for the 2015-2016 year. To make a tax-deductible donation, send a check to United Way of Jasper County, PO Box 844, Newton, IA 50208 or stop by the United Way office at 312 1st Ave. W. in Newton.

Contact Scott Thenhaus at 641-792-3121 or newsroom@newtondailynews.com