Sharing Good News at the Holidays

To date, $10.7 million has been raised towards our campaign goal of $11.9 million. That's 90% of the goal. Many of our campaign units really went above and beyond for us this year:

Hamilton County Employees reached $114,840, which is 112% of their goal;
North Georgia exceeded its regional goal of $522,526 by $4,340, with more funds still expected despite the slow economy and many plant closings;
Nonprofits & Foundations, who know the needs of at-risk families and individuals in our communities, met their goal of $499,315;
The Healthcare industry stepped up to meet its $324,949 goal and added a 9% increase;
Area Labor Unions exceeded their goal and pledged $171,892;
Local Media met their $109,029 goal, which included the successful online media auction; and
The Combined Federal Campaign raised $287,619, which is 111% of their United Way fundraising goal. That amount is part of the $1.4 million that CFC raises for different nonprofits throughout the region.

We still have 10% to go. Please help. If you can give, donate online now or call Linda McReynolds at 423-752-0304 to find out how you can help us reach our goal.

Currently, 2-1-1 is preparing for it's annual Giving Tree Project, which begins Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. It is a last resort for families in need who were unable to get holiday gift assistance through any other programs. This project is a joint effort between the Volunteer Center, the 211 Call Center, Gifts in Kind and the Corporate Volunteer Council.

Right now, 211 needs volunteers to help out with this program at the Gifts in Kind offices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on Dec. 19, 20 and 22. Volunteers would help families shop and wrap their gifts. Volunteers will only be asked to work a 2-hour shift.

However, the program also needs donations of toys and gifts for the children and families coming to shop. Just e-mail Windy Brooks or call the volunteer center at 423-752-0316 for nore information about the types of gifts needed and the shifts when volunteers are needed

United Way's Invest in Children has just graduated 18 early education providers through the Early Childhood Leadership Academy program, a joint project with the Creative Discovery Museum that began in April of 2008. This program enables educators to bring the best in early childhood education practices to their charges. It was so successful that the Chattanooga Community Foundation is going to sponsor the program for another year. The new class will begin in March of 2009. For more information, e-mail Anne Gamble or call 423-752-0323.