Unity in the community

The United Way of Jasper County used to jumpstart its summertime campaigns with a luncheon, but in order to really ingrain itself into the community, the organization decided a fully-stacked kickoff party was a better fit.

Complete with live music provided by singer Nick Wallace, a supply of food vendors, free activities for kids and other numerous festivities, the United Way of Jasper County’s campaign kickoff from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Maytag Bowl in Maytag Park is as much of a fun family night as it is a celebration of the nonprofit agency’s accomplishments and its partnering groups.

Jessica Lowe Vokes, executive director of the UWJC, said this is only the second year in which the agency, once called Newton Community Chest, has organized the campaign kickoff in this fashion.

“We’re getting close to our 80th anniversary for the organization ... We’ve been around a long time. This is just kind of a new way of kicking off the campaign and getting people excited about it,” Lowe Vokes said. “This is just kind of a fun thing to remind people that, hey, this is happening, and for them to learn about who the money is helping.”

In April, UWJC allocated $260,000, further cementing its status as the largest grant funding organization in the county. Nearing its 80th anniversary, Lowe Vokes said the agency’s donations to other groups stays local and continues to help nearby communities.

“We have about 12,000 people, annually, receiving help through United Way-funded programming,” Lowe Vokes said. “That’s one-third of Jasper County’s population.”

Primarily, UWJC provides funds, resources and assistance to nonprofits with health and human services programs within the county. Whether it’s filling food bank shelves, working with homeless prevention programs or advocates helping victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, the agency aims to meet the needs of people living in Jasper County.

“There are a lot of agencies that have received funding from us for many years, and they depend on that funding to be able to provide their programs,” Lowe Vokes said.

UWJC’s campaign lasts from the kickoff party, Aug. 25, to mid-November.

“That’s when people will be receiving their letters to their homes and past givers will receive letters. We got out to businesses and organizations and spread the word on what we’re doing,” Lowe Vokes said. “This is our busy time of year.”

Until then, Lowe Vokes said she is excited for the campaign kickoff party to start and move things along.

“It’s a nice way to see and meet people, share with them about United Way and the agencies we’re supporting,” Lowe Vokes said. “I’m very, very passionate about helping stabilize lives in Jasper County, and that’s what United Way is doing … It’s just nice to give back to the community. We serve all of Jasper County, so I hope people from throughout the county will come and participate.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com