With the holidays fast approaching, I want to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the United Way campaign so far and wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.
This past year has been another trying year for all of us. Despite great obstacles, our community has come together to support residents who need it most. At United Way, we have had great success with a number of initiatives, and we have highlighted these through our 12 Days of Good News campaign that will go until the 24 of December.
This year we raised $40,000 during our radio-thon thanks to the generosity of the Farren Family and their Matching Gift. We have invested more than $100,000 in the community through Northumberland Eats – a program that provides food vouchers to those who need them and promotes local businesses in Northumberland County. Our Period Promise initiative saw over 11,000 menstrual hygiene products distributed to individuals, families, and not-for-profit organizations locally and an increase in awareness around period poverty. More than 1,100 backpacks were distributed through our Backpacks for Kids program, with an additional 135 that were given out this month to those experiencing housing instability. As well, we continue to support COVID-19 response efforts locally and have raised over $60,000 that has been distributed to local organizations. This includes $20,000 that was raised through Northumberland Rocks Back, organized by a dedicated group of volunteers to support COVID-19 efforts in our community.
Without the support of dedicated donors, volunteers, and staff, none of this would be possible. It is because of the generosity that exists in our community that we are able to support essential programs and services in Northumberland County every year. It is because of this generosity that we will continue to support these programs for years to come.
We have also welcomed new and returning Board members to Northumberland United Way who will help lead us into the future by investigating new strategies and innovations to improve our performance and overall impact. These directors bring with them strong skillsets from a variety of sectors, and they are poised and ready to take on any challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our organization and this community.
Although it is unclear how this next year will unfold, United Way will continue to respond to the needs in our community with relevant strategies aimed at making our community great for everyone. We look forward to working with all of our partners to make this happen.
We are living in unpredictable times and our community is showing great strength and leadership in the face of adversity. We want to thank each and every person who has reached out to support someone in need in Northumberland County this year and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Happy Holidays!
Bobbie, Cathy, Dianne, Maggie, and Chelsea
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