United Way of St. Joseph County February E-News DONATE    As Valentine's Day is a day to reflect on the ones you love, United Way would like to express how much we love our donors! Whether you just gave for the first time or have given for years, you have a special place in our heart and the hearts of those whose lives you touch through your generosity. Thank you! Sincerely, The United Way Staff & Board  HEADLINES   2011 Campaign Update Thank You To Our GREAT Workforce Campaigns! We have raised over $2.52 M, which is over 75% of our $3.35 M annual goal. Both Notre Dame and AM General, our top two campaigns, exceeded their goals this year. Check out our new Campaign Highlights web page for more success stories (workforce campaign story spotlights coming soon). Though we have experienced a lot of success, we have a long way to go in a short amount of time. Team HEAT Adopt a Family and HEAT a home! This year, United Way asked the community to join Team HEAT by adopting a family. Thanks to partners like Memorial Hospital and the South Bend Tribune, 36 more local families have been adopted into the program. However, it's not too late to help Team HEAT! > Learn more ACT NOW  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Appointments are filling up fast!   If you or someone you know has an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) can prepare and e-file your taxes for FREE! CALL 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment. Click for more information about VITA, eligibility and locations. Need Answers? Turn to 2-1-1!  United Way 2-1-1 is your source for information about free tax filing, heat and other utility assistance, food, clothing, substance abuse, domestic violence, tutoring, volunteer opportunities, and much more. Call or chat 2-1-1 today or share this news with someone in need! > www.MyUW211.org  IN THE SPOTLIGHT   Greg Downes Receives Honor from Chamber  Congrats, Greg! Greg Downes, 2011-2012 United Way Campaign Chair and 2012 Chair of the United Way Board of Directors, received the "W. Scott Miller Distinguished Business Leader" award at the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County's annual Salute to Business luncheon. > Read more in the South Bend Tribune. United Way VIP Preview Event A Great Success!  On January 5, United Way and Café Navarre proprietor Kurt Janowsky hosted an exclusive VIP Preview Event to showcase the soon-to-open hot spot Café Navarre while expressing appreciation to United Way's key campaign partners that support its mission through workforce campaigns and corporate gifts. > Read more The Notre Dame Toiletry Initiative   The University of Notre Dame is leading an initiative to recycle hotel toiletries that benefit the needy through local food pantries. Morris Inn is leading the way with what Notre Dame hopes to take off with other local hotels. > Click to download a PDF with the full story: Page 1; Page 2    Our Great Agency Partners  Salvation Army Opens the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center The Salvation Army, a United Way partner agency, just opened the doors to its new Kroc Center, a 110,000 square-foot community center. It was created as a place of gathering and enrichment. It provides facilities, programs and services for children and adults. > Visit their website to learn more. Notre Dame Student United Way  Welcome Aboard!  The Student United Way of the University of Notre Dame has officially been approved by the Student Activities Office as a University student club. The club will focus on volunteering, expanding their tutoring services to multiple locations during the week. They plan on a weekend service event at least once a month.   Why I LIVE UNITED AM General Gary Wuslich, V.P. Human Resources (L), pictured with Joe Taylor III, UAW Local 5 President (R) "For AM General, participating in United Way's annual fundraising campaign is the single most important community effort undertaken each year...." > Download the poster University of Notre Dame  Mike Brey, Men's Basketball Coach "I always have been a tremendous supporter of the United Way because of the wide array of initiatives and programs that the organization has and supports...."  > Download the poster   University of Notre Dame    Muffet McGraw, Women's Basketball Coach "It's a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of the United Way of St. Joseph County. I appreciate their efforts in growing and strengthening our community..."  > Download the poster FOOD FOR THOUGHT      Did You Know? Charitable Contribution Tax Tips   Is my gift to United Way tax deductible? Yes! Tax receipts for donations $250 and larger received by cash, check or credit card were sent late January. Payroll donors should use their W2 for contribution verification. If you qualify and have not received your tax receipt, please contact Nikia at 574-232-8201, ext. 227.  125 Years of United Way This year is United Way Worldwide's 125th anniversary. In 1887 in Denver, the Charity Organizations Society, the first "United Way" organization, was founded. It planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign for 22 agencies. > Learn more about United Way's history.  Leadership Blog  This Opportunity Won't Last... (we hope)  Great leaders will shine in uncertain times > Read the full article  Excellence Is a Choice! What Is Yours?  How can we become a forward-thinking organization? > Read the full article KEEP IN TOUCH  'Like' us on Facebook  |  Follow us on Twitter  |  Visit our Website 574-232-8201  |  info@uwsjc.org  |  3517 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615