The 2011 Annual Campaign is at the half way point. Last week, we gave a progress report to the community and were able to announce that we are at 51% of our $1.8 million goal. Thank you to the many supporters who have helped us reach this important milestone. However, there is still work to be done to achieve the remaining 49%. 

Companies all across Hall County are running their campaigns now and giving their employees the opportunity to participate by payroll deduction. Every day we receive a few more pledge cards from physicians, attorneys, dentists and other professionals. Both city and county school systems are working to get their reports to us before the Thanksgiving break. Gifts both large and small from individuals are critical to our success.   If you have not already made a commitment to the campaign, there is still time. Please log on to our website at www.UnitedWayHallCounty.org and click on the "give online" button to make a secure gift.  Be a part of the change and join us as we improve lives in Hall County.

During this season of Thanksgiving, please know that we are very grateful for your generosity. Time and time again, Hall County responds to the needs of its residents. This newsletter contains a number of opportunities for you to help make the holiday season a little brighter for someone else.   There are also ways to help through your church or civic club. Many schools know of families that can use a little extra help. So please, "Live it" by finding a place and a way to improve the life of a friend or neighbor.  

Jackie Wallace
President & CPO
United Way of Hall County  

www.unitedwayhallcounty.org  

OUR MISSION: Uniting people, organizations and resources to improve lives in Hall County.

They would like to encourage each of you to participate in this meaningful program by donating items from the attached gift list or by making a monetary contribution which will be used to purchase needed items. With your help, we can make the Holiday special for children and adults who are hospitalized during this time of the year.

Please call Carol LaMonica at 770-503-3330 for additional information.

The Center for Family Prosperity, a collaboration of the City Of Gainesville, Hall County Government, Brenau University, United Way of Hall County and Gainesville Housing Authority is designed to help working families improve their financial position.  Our goal is to help families reach and maintain economic self-sufficiency.

So as part of this program, they opened their first Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA site in 2009. They provide free income tax preparation to low-to moderate income families who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

They want to make sure that families take advantage of all available credits and that they keep the couple of hundred dollars that they would have paid to a paid tax preparer. 

Last year, they completed 216 tax returns and brought close to $386,000 dollars back to the community in federal and state refunds.

All volunteers are IRS trained and certified.  All educational material is provided. Volunteers are needed during the tax season to assume different roles. Attached is a description of the different roles available.

VITA Volunteers Flyer

VITA Job Descriptions 

I DON'T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT

It is not enough to believe this notion, or represent it on your person, we all need to get out there and act.

Upcoming YLS Events  

Young Leaders Society is a program designed for individuals and couples in their 20's and 30's who make an annual gift of $500 or more to United Way of Hall County. Your financial investment enables United Way to unite people, organizations, and resources to improve lives in Hall County and provides you the opportunity to participate in a variety of volunteer and community events.

 Serve  

Saturday, November 19th: Good News at Noon Shelter Clean Up

Time: 8am - 12pm

Connect 

Conversations with Leaders:

"The Bridge and Brenau" What it means for Downtown Gainesville  

Time: January 24^th at 5:30.  

Location: Banks Recital Hall in the Burd Center 

Panelist include Wendell Starke, Kip Padgett, Ed Schrader and Tim Evans.   

Lead 

Board 101 Training  

Time: 5:30 Monday, February 13^th, 20^th, 27^th Location: Recess Southern Gastro Pub

Please contact Joy Griffin at jgriffin@unitedwayhallcounty.org for more information 

How Do You Live It?

This is a group photo of the Crisis Line Volunteer Advocates at Rape Response's last volunteer meeting. They "Live United" by advocating and volunteering on behalf of sexual assault survivors in Hall County.    

Rape Response serves as a system of support, advocacy, and education, providing services to the community and survivors of sexual assault while safeguarding the dignity of each person served. These dedicated volunteers don't just wear the shirts, they LIVE IT! 

Center Point  

Online Auction

Consider the possibility of a donated gift certificate turning into a counseling session for a family in crisis, or jewelry you don't wear anymore funding Mentors for children struggling in school. The prospects are endless! Center Point is hosting an online auction fundraiser and is in need of gift donations from the community they have served for over 40 years. The Auction will be live Nov. 19 - Dec. 9, so be sure to do your holiday shopping with Center Point!  Visit www.centerpointgainesville.com for more information.

DON'T MISS IT!

Click Here 

to view the LOCAL

United Way Volunteer/Events Calendar