Marshall County Residents Have the Heart to Live United...United Way Campaign Close to Goal

PLYMOUTH (12/08/09) - Times are tough as an increasing number of Marshall County residents have either lost their jobs or had their paycheck reduced. This county has not been immune to the recession that all Americans in some form or another have been struggling to overcome. Those who never in their wildest dreams thought they would be in financial straits are looking for help. While there are signs on the horizon that better times are coming; the need for help in this county is great.

That is why this year’s United Way of Marshall County’s fundraising campaign is so important as the dollars raised stay within the county’s borders helping fund agencies and programs that help with immediate needs and address the root causes of social issues such has homelessness and lack of education.

Your local United Way supports agencies that provide for the basic building blocks that improve quality of life for all. Those building blocks include programs that address education, health and financial issues as well as those that are dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives.

The programs offered by the member agencies serving Marshall County currently supported by our United Way have proven track records of success, as each was required to show that money they received actually helped our neighbors.

During this year’s fundraising campaign, Marshall County neighbors have the opportunity to reach out a hand and help each other to achieve the goal of Living United. Times may be tough and the needs ever increasing, but I believe the hearts of Marshall County residents are up to the task.

Marshall County is blessed with great people who are willing to share what they have and help those less fortunate. This has been proven time and again.

When natural disasters have struck or when we hear about someone in great need help comes in abundant ways and the agencies supported by the United Way are front and center to offer their services and support. This county is blessed with numerous agencies providing a myriad of services to individuals in Marshall County who find themselves in need.

These agencies depend on your generosity to provide the dollars needed to provide services that improve the quality of life of their recipients. Their programs, while addressing many different needs have one common thread; they are the building blocks for a better future for Marshall County families.

This year, the United Way is spreading a grassroots message that we hope will reach all residents, LIVE UNITED . . . Give, Advocate, Volunteer.

These are not just words on paper that someone thinks sounds effective, they represent a message that will hopefully unite those of us blessed to live in Marshall County to reach out and impact lives.

We are so grateful to the people and businesses who have given so far – they have been as generous as they can. Now is the time for those who haven’t yet given to make a contribution before the end of the year.

Marshall County residents can participate in workplace campaigns making a pledge to help support these vital programs. Those who live in Marshall County, but work outside its border can make sure their workplace contribution goes to help their neighbors by making that designation on their pledge card. For Marshall County residents who are not part of a campaign through their company but still want to participate a donation may be made directly to the United Way of Marshall County and sent to P.O. Box 392, Plymouth, IN 46563. To give online, access our website at www.marshallcountyuw.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

We invite you to be part of the change . . . to give, to advocate and to volunteer in whatever capacity you can. Together we can make sure the blessings of Marshall County are available to all.

Jennifer S. Maddox is the Executive Director of the United Way of Marshall County. Employers interested in information on a workplace campaign, or individuals wishing to contribute should call the United Way of Marshall County office at 574-936-3366 or email info@marshallcountyuw.org.