| United Way Makes Final Push to Reach Campaign Goal |
United Way of East Central Iowa President & CEO, Lois Buntz, announced that the organization, which provides funding support for 40 local nonprofit agencies and services like United Way 2-1-1, projects it may not reach this year's campaign goal without some additional community support over the final weeks of December.
"We've had some great success stories in this year's campaign, with a variety of companies and individuals surpassing their previous giving levels," says Buntz. "But we've been fighting an uphill battle against difficult economic conditions and significant employee reductions or plant closures at a number of companies. At this point, projections indicate that we will be short of reaching our campaign goal and perhaps short of last year's attainment."
This is the first time in seven years that United Way may see funding fall short of its goal. Last year's campaign brought in a record $10,416,000. This year's goal was for a modest increase to $10,500,000. Full Story
Individuals or organizations wishing to make a contribution to this year's United Way Campaign can send a check to United Way of East Central Iowa, 1030 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. You can call United Way's office at 319-398-5372 and have a contribution charged to your credit card. Contributions can also be made online by clicking here. |
Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award
The Eastern Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) celebrated National Philanthropy Day by hosting a luncheon to honor leaders in Eastern Iowa. The Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon was held on Tuesday, November 10, at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls. Paulson Electric and P.E.C. Communications received an award for "Outstanding Philanthropic Organization - Small Business," nominated by United Way of East Central Iowa. Pictured in photo above, beginning from left: Jeff Penning, Lois Buntz, Ron Olson and Tyler Olson. Congratulations! |
| Christmas Meal Reservations |
|
United Way 2-1-1 is taking reservations for Christmas meals through St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Avenue NW and St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1430 3rd Avenue SE, both in Cedar Rapids. Dinner will be served on December 25 with continuous seating from 1-3 pm. Reservations are recommended by calling 2-1-1 or (319) 739-4211 by December 21. United Way 2-1-1 can also be contacted for those needing transportation to one of the Christmas meals or those who would like a meal delivered. Meals can be delivered to the following areas: St. Paul's delivers to the NE and SE sides of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion; St. Mark's delivers to the NW and SW sides of Cedar Rapids, and Fairfax. |
| Volunteers Needed
for Tax Season |
Interested in helping others? Want to give back to the community in a big way? Volunteer tax preparers and greeters are needed to assist the Cedar Rapids Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the 2009 tax filing season. Click here to learn more. | |
|
|
|
Last Call for Live United Contest Entries The deadline is approaching for you to submit your video, photo or written text about how you LIVE UNITED! Tell us how you and/or your business are working to improve the lives of people in our communities. Whether you serve on a volunteer committee of a nonprofit organization, contribute financially, or wear a LIVE UNITED t-shirt to show your support, we want to hear about it! Read More |
|
Holiday Assistance Individuals needing holiday assistance for food, clothing, toys and/or other needs can call United Way 2-1-1 for more information. United Way 2-1-1 is a referral service that helps connect individuals to community resources and services they may need. Dial 2-1-1 or toll-free at 1-866-469-2211. From a cell phone dial 319-739-4211. This service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
|
|
The Salvation Army's Senior Dinner Seniors are invited to attend the Salvation Army's annual senior dinner and Christmas party on Saturday, December 12, beginning at 10 am.
Read More |
|
Waypoint Seeks Community Support this Holiday Season Waypoint is looking for individuals to donate, volunteer and celebrate! Holiday gifts, food and/or toiletry donations are needed. Volunteer to help sort donations and/or distribute gifts. Join Waypoint as they celebrate their Winter Wonderland Open House on Tuesday, December 15, 11am-7pm. Read More |
|
Wrapping for a Cause Volunteer to wrap presents for The Arc of East Central Iowa beginning November 27 - December 24. Have fun helping others get ready for the holidays, all while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read More |
|
Remembering Martin Luther King Luncheon United Way of East Central Iowa will honor 20 area student leaders at the annual MLK Luncheon on Monday, January 18, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Read More | |
|
