SEARCY — The scene was set Wednesday at Center on the Square in Searcy. The location was a theater, the costumes included T-shirts and name tags, the props were flyers and displays, but the subject matter was not theatrics. It was the launch of the 2015 United Way of White County campaign, and agency representatives were eager to mingle and share their missions with each other and with those willing to donate to their cause.
Every year, 16 agencies throughout White County work to improve the quality of life for people, and the agencies depend on funds from the United Way of White County to fulfill their missions. The local United Way campaign to raise money started Wednesday at the launch event, and the campaign will continue through Jan. 31.
“If we don’t raise this money for these agencies, then they don’t have the money for their futures,” campaign chairman Donny Gray said.
The United Way of White County was formed in 1979, and the first campaign goal was set at $75,000. The organization surpassed its goal when it raised $125,000. The current United Way of White County board of directors has set a goal to raise $430,000 in the 2015 campaign. Last year, the organization raised about $450,000 total, and the organization got a good start toward this year’s goal at the launch event Wednesday.
Glen Metheny, president of the board of directors, said it is important to recognize that the United Way of White County supports agencies throughout the county, not just in Searcy.
“It is a county thing,” he said. “We depend on all cities within our county, and these agencies serve throughout as well.”
A suggested donation amount — called a “fair share” by the United Way — is one hour’s pay per month. Many people have contributions taken directly out of their paychecks, but there are opportunities for individuals to give directly to the organization.
“They can do a one-time contribution, or we can bill them if they want to do more over a period of time,” Executive Director Pat Downs said. “We appreciate all participation.”
Partner agencies of the United Way of White County include the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of White County), the Child Safety Center, the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Jacob’s Place, the Literacy Council of White County, Newhope Specialized Industries, Special Olympics, the Sunshine School, the White County 4-H Foundation, White County Aging, White County Domestic Violence Prevention and Rape Crisis, White County Group Homes, the White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund and the Wilbur D. Mills Center.
To give to the 2015 United Way of White County campaign, contact Downs by email at pat@unitedwayofwhitecounty.org or by phone at (501) 268-7489. For more information about the United Way of White County, visit www.unitedwayofwhitecounty.org.