United Ways in five counties are teaming up to respond to increased needs by using new channels to reach prospective new donors asking them to consider a small way to make a big difference.

Foreclosures, unemployment and reduced social services budgets are taking a toll on families and agencies trying to keep up. The Give 10 Tell 10 campaign asks people to make a relatively small gift and increase the impact by passing the message along to 10 friends using email, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking means. TV ads sponsored by Comcast are also airing throughout Puget Sound, directing people to www.unitedwaypugetsound.org where they can "click to give where they live" with a map of participating United Ways in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap counties.

"The success of the Give 10, Tell 10 campaign depends on the ripple effect, and we're asking current donors to help us spread the word through their own online connections and linking to the website at www.unitedwaypugetsound.org," said Deborah Squires, VP of marketing for United Way of Snohomish County. "Small gifts can make a difference. For example, $10 would provide food for a family for six days, and $25 can give someone a week's food and a night of shelter. If you do that and 10 of your friends do that, it adds up. We're especially grateful for companies such as Cascade Bank and Rodland Toyota/Scion that are adding links to their websites."

While United Ways are all independent, we certainly share a focus on providing for basic needs such as food, housing and transportation and on helping people become more self-sufficient," said Carl Zapora, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County. "Collaborating on a project like the Give 10 campaign strengthens the ability of each United Way to meet that mission. People's lives don't stop at the county line, the media market doesn't stop at the county line, and certainly the need doesn't."

 

 

YOU CAN HELP: 

 

Please Give $10 and share the YouTube video with 10 of your friends. Add the link and video to your personal or business web pages.

Find your voice. Lend your muscle. Share your passion. Let your friends know that you stand for something greater than yourself. Stay informed and start a conversation. Join United Way of Snohomish County on Facebook and Twitter and our blog.