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SALEM -- The 51st United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County annual campaign kicked-off Aug. 23 at the Salem Community Center. President Roger Hack welcomed 30 agency personnel and board members.
Janet Keene, Downtown Dining Experience chair, announced that the annual event, sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Sept. 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 and are available from any United Way agency and at the Chamber. Fourteen local eateries are participating to help raise funds for United Way. Troll's Jewelry is donating a 14-karat rose gold necklace with seven diamonds.
In his remarks to the agencies, Hack acknowledged that "we are in disturbing times with a lot of uncertainty on every front." Inflation is on everyone's mind and rising interest rates are causing additional unease. Hack asked agencies "to remember what the donor has been through in the last year" when asking donors for a contribution. He highlighted what "an amazing partnership United Way has with our agencies" and thanked them for all the good they do.
United Way board member Matt Werner gave an update on the progresss that his home town, East Palestine, has made since the train derailment Feb. 3. He expressed gratitude to the United Way agencies that were on site immediately after the derailment, and stayed as long as services were needed. He praised United Way for co-hosting the phenonmenal 5K/Hometown Walk that raised more than $165,000 to benefit the youth of East Palestine through the schools, sports programs and youth associations throughout the village.
Execuitive Director George W. S. Hays expressed his gratitude to the many donors who faithfully support United Way. Contributions are made up by individuals (13%), employee groups (31%), corporations (26%) and foundations (30%).
"Our agencies provide approximately 100,000 service deliveries annually. Their services are available to anyone and everyone, regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, education, age, national origin, sexual orientation, economic status, disability/handicap, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other reason prohibited by law," Hays said.
Unlocking Potential, United Way's mentoring program for fifth- and sixth-grade students at Southeast Elementary School, is beginning its third year. Hays announced that the mentor roster has grown to enable initiating a similar program this fall at East Palestine Middle School. The program provides one-on-one time monthly between the mentee and the mentor. All mentors have BCI/FBI background checks on file with the school district. All of the students enthusiastically supported the program.
Huntington Bank provided more than 200 book backpacks that were distributed to agencies for school-age clients.
United Way affiliations with other quality national programs benefit people across the area. The 211 telephone referral service has been in operation in Columbiana County since 1979. Provided by Help Network of Northeast Ohio, more than 3,200 calls for assistance to 211 were answered last year. Help Network is the local response center for 988, the national help number for people in crisis.
SingleCare®, in a national partnership with United Way, provides prescription discount cards that can save as much as 45% off retail prescription drug prices. To date, more than 15,750 Columbiana County residents have saved $2.4 million in the cost of their prescription medications. SingleCare® cards are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and United Way agencies.
Accoring to Hays, a successful campaign will enable United Way to provide $29,679 for Earn Well services; $98,169 for Stay Well and basic services; and $64,490 for Learn Well services.
All contributions are used locally. Every contribution is acknowledged by United Way and is tax deductible per IRS rules.
Contributions made payable to United Way may be sent United Way Services of Northern Columbiana County, 210 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460-2855 or securely by credit card through the MobileCause® link on United Way's website, www.unitedwayofncc.org.