The volunteers of the United Way of Cleveland-Bolivar County know this to be true as they work to meet the 2009 campaign year goal, with only two weeks left.
“We just need a little more money,” said Executive Director of the local United Way Peggy Davis.
The organization that provides funding to several Bolivar County agencies is currently just shy of its goal.
“Our goal for the 2009 campaign year was $122,400,” said Davis. “Right now, we are sitting at $120,722.27.
“That’s 98.55 percent of our goal,” she continued. “But come July 31, that’s the end of the 2009 campaign year.
“We need the extra $1,677.73 in order to make our 2009 goal,” Davis said. “If we had 800 people give $2, or 1,600 people give $1, we would make our goal.”
Almost every single penny raised by the United Way of Cleveland-Bolivar County stays in the area.
“All the money that we raise stays here, with the exception of 1 percent that goes to United Way of America,” Davis explained. “It’s about helping people, giving a little bit of ourselves.
“If everybody would contribute we would more than make our goal.”
There are 14 agencies that are depending on the funding from United Way.
They are: the American Red Cross, Bolivar County Literacy Council, Boy Scouts Chickasaw Council, Community Bridge Builders Inc., Cleveland Youth Council Inc., Community Counseling Center, Delta Volunteers, 4-H Clubs of Bolivar County, Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Helping Hands, Our House Inc., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, U.S.O. and West Bolivar Christian Association.
Which agencies receive funding is also determined by local volunteers.
“It’s up to our funding distribution people to weigh everything and submit their recommendation to our board,” Davis said. “Our board makes final approval.”
The new campaign year will begin Aug. 1, regardless of whether or not the 2009 goal is met.
“Come Aug. 1, our 2010 campaign will start,” said Davis. “We will start with the pace setters for the campaign.
“Our kick-off will not be until September,” Davis continued. “We’re already gearing up for the 2010 campaign and working on getting preparations done.”
Davis urged anyone wishing to contribute a little more or to give for the first time to the United Way to call the local office at (662) 846-1646.