Jackson County United Way has started its annual fundraising campaign already having raised 20 percent of its goal.
At the Small Towns Big Impacts kickoff Thursday, campaign co-chairs Dr. David Hartung and his wife, Monica, announced several donors have contributed a total of $178,470 to the cause.
This year’s overall goal is $836,000, a 4 percent increase from what was raised in 2017.
“This campaign is about celebrating the united effort in our county,” Monica Hartung said. “We are all part of the same community. We want to have fun with the campaign, and we want to raise the awareness of the great things that United Way does.”
Pacesetter donors who have finished their workplace campaigns are Aisin USA Mfg. Inc., Brownstown Central Community School Corp., Seymour Community School Corp., El Nopal, Jackson County Public Library, Jackson County United Way staff and board, Lannett’s corporate gift and UPS.
Money raised from the annual campaign goes to support 20 community organizations that offer programming and services aligned with United Way’s mission of working for the health, education and financial stability of all Jackson County residents.
“I have three kids, and when I think of what I want for them, I think about how I want them to be healthy, I want them to have a good education and someday in the future, I want them to be financially secure. And boom, there you go, that is what United Way does,” David Hartung said.
Everyone wins when a child succeeds in school, families are financially stable and people are healthy, Monica added.
Agencies receiving financial support from United Way are American Red Cross, Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry, The Arc of Jackson County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club of Seymour, Child Care Network, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Girls Inc. of Jackson County, Human Services Inc., Hoosier Trails Council Boy Scouts of America, Meals on Wheels, Mental Health America of Jackson County, READ Jackson County/Plaza Latina, The Salvation Army, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and senior citizen centers in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, Medora and Seymour.
This year, there is a matching grant available through Indiana United Ways and Lilly Endowment where all new gifts of $100 or more are matched dollar for dollar along with any increased gift of $25 or more.
“United Way creates partnerships and focused services for struggling, hardworking families,” said Sean Hildreth, Jackson County United Way resource development director. “We need the whole community to think about giving a little bit to support those in need.”
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To see how your business or organization can get involved in this year’s Jackson County United Way campaign, call Sean Hildreth at 812-522-5450.
Individual donations can be mailed to JCUW, P.O. Box 94, Seymour, IN 47274.
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