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2009 Campaign In Full Swing
It is not too late to Invest in OUR Community!
The 2009 Campaign is not over yet. Although there are still many companies running their campaigns, donors sending in their contributions, and special events taking place, many of you have already wrapped-up your campaigns.
We have seen so many exciting campaigns going on this year. Carnivals, agency fairs, bake sales, Wii competitions, auctions, pizza parties, hot dog sales, LIVE UNITED bracelet sales, and bowling competitions. Georgia Power  also got creative in their campaign by creating a "Wheel of Misfortune" game to educate their employees on United Way's partner agencies. As you can see, our volunteers and donors are really being creative.
While we are currently at 56% of our $4.4 million goal, we are not done yet. If you have not run a United Way Campaign to date, please consider contacting a United Way representative to coordinate this effort. Giving through your company is not the only way to give; you can also make a personal contribution to United Way of the CSRA.
The success of our campaign could not happen without our Loaned Professionals. A special thanks to this group of individuals who is truly committed to making our campaign a success:
Ms. Debbie Caver, U.S. Department of Energy
Mr. Patrick Eskridge, Intern, Augusta State University
Mr. Joe Kelley, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Mr. Larry Laughlin, Sponsored by Georgia Bank & Trust Company
Mr. Harry Moore, Georgia Power
Ms. Dyanna Nelsen, Combined Federal Campaign
Remember, it's never too late to invest in OUR community. Please contact Rina Powell at rpowell@uwcsra.org for more information on giving. |
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2009 Combined Federal Campaign Surpasses $700,000 Mark!
With only a few weeks remaining, the Combined Federal Campaign is still underway having exceeded the $724,000 mark, which is a little more than 85% of the 2009 goal of $850,000.
All federal employees are urged to participate. Every dollar you give makes a difference in someone's life. Whether you're passionate about children, healthcare, animals, or something else, there's a cause for everyone with more than 2,500 agencies from which to choose.
You may question whether the money really ever reaches those in need. Just ask the Key Workers who went on tours of some of the local agencies back in September and October. They will tell you what the agencies do with the funds they receive and assure you that dollars raised through the CFC go directly to helping someone in need.
General Jeff Foley who is serving as Co-Chair of this year's Combined Federal Campaign for the CSRA said, "Please join me and thousands of your fellow workers by supporting the CFC. This great campaign does enormous good for thousands of people here in our immediate area and around the world."
The Combined Federal Campaign concludes on December 15. If you or someone you know is a federal employee and would like to contribute to this year's campaign, you may do so online at www.cfcofthecsra.org or via written pledge by contacting Caroline Thomas, CFC Coordinator, at 706.826.1483 or by email at cthomas@uwcsra.org. All donations given to the Combined Federal Campaign are 100% tax deductible. Don't wait, make a difference in someone's life today! |
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Tocqueville Society Hosts Gala Reception
Members of United Way of the CSRA's Tocqueville Society and guests were recently entertained at a black-tie reception at the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Allen. The annual reception provides an opportunity for its members to become better acquainted with one another as well as introduce prospective members to the Society.
In its thirteenth year, United Way is proud to acknowledge the Society members who are dedicated to our community's strong tradition of caring. These members have made a significant personal investment and are leading the way to a better community for us all.
If you would like more information about The Tocqueville Society, please contact Mr. Rick Allen, 2009 Tocqueville Chair (706-733-2800), or Ms. La Verne Gold (706-724-5544).
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Georgia Theatre Company Hosts Check Presentation for "Food and Film for A Cause"
On November 3, 2009, United Way of the CSRA along with Boys & Girls Clubs of Augusta and American Red Cross of Augusta, attended a check presentation for Georgia Theatre Company's 6th Annual Food & Film for a Cause event at Evans Stadium Cinemas in Evans, Georgia. Also in attendance were representatives from Masters Value Cinemas, Barberitos, and Phoenix Printing. Read More.
 In attendance at the check presentation were (left to right): Brian Cherry, GM of Evans Stadium Cinemas; Tim McNeill, Phoenix Printing; Kathy DeLoach, Resource Development Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Augusta; Bobby Miller, Phoenix Printing; La Verne Gold, President & CEO of United Way of the CSRA; Hugh Barnett, Manager of Barberitos; Carrie Goodale, Support Services Assistant of United Way of the CSRA; Marc Wilson, volunteer with American Red Cross of Augusta; Sarah Townsend, Marketing Director of American Red Cross of Augusta; and Sarah Martinez, GM of Masters Value Cinemas. Not pictured; Erica Moore, Support Services Manager of United Way of the CSRA. | |
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FamilyWize Prescription Cards Save Community Almost $82,000!
Through the FamilyWize program, United Way of the CSRA has saved the community $81,728 on prescriptions since its launch in July 2009. Currently, the cards have been used a total of 4,936 times in Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Jenkins, Jefferson, McDuffie, Richmond, and Wilkes counties.
United Way is providing these cards free-of-charge to everyone in our community, and the average savings on uninsured prescriptions is approximately 30% or more. There are no age restrictions, no income restrictions, no limit on how many times you can use it, and no waiting to get a card. In fact, you can print a card from our website. Click Here. |
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Caring Club® Merchant Spotlight - 1 Hour Optical
1 Hour Optical is one of the leading comprehensive eye care facilities serving the CSRA. With two locations to choose from, Dr. Gary Crook and his friendly staff provide each patient with quality care and a personal touch.
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Crook opened 1 Hour Optical's Martinez location in 2003 and soon after opened South Augusta's branch in November 2006. Since that time, Dr. Keisha Williford and Dr. Andrea Capps have become partners in the practice.
Services offered by 1 Hour Optical include eye exams, contact lens fittings, low vision services, safety eyewear, and Varilux progressive lenses. The office also offers an extensive line of frames to choose from, consisting of Vera Bradley, Harley Davidson, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Candies, and Silhouette.
Besides accepting over 20 different insurance carriers, 1 Hour Optical provides all Caring Club® members with a very generous discount: $25 off eyeglass exams, $30 off frames, 10% off contacts and lens fittings, and 35% off lenses and features.
Contact Information:
Martinez: 706-860-1171
South Augusta: 706-793-6211 |
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United Way Launches 2-1-1 On the Go!
In early 2009, United Way interviewed homeless provider agencies and found their clients' most common barriers to independence included the lack of identification, an address, and a phone number - all of which are needed to apply for a job and secure permanent housing. Additional needs included information on where to go to take a shower or wash clothes, as well as the location of soup kitchens. Read More. For more information about 2-1-1 On the Go!, please contact United Way at 706-724-5544. | |
Sheltered Employment Program
for the Handicapped
Augusta Training Shop
John, a handicapped young man, showed up at the door of Augusta Training shop eager to begin work but full of despair. He had suffered many rejections from other institutions and programs in the area where he had applied. He wasn't able to pay the exorbitant fees associated with being accepted into these programs, and so he was very discouraged.
Although John typically did not test well, he was allowed to go through Augusta Training Shop's pre-screening process and trial period, and to everyone's surprise, he far exceeded everyone's expectations - even his own. He immediately caught on to his new work responsibilities and has done quite well in the program. John gets very excited each time he receives his paycheck, and he looks forward to saving his money. He now has increased self-esteem and a new sense of confidence from being enrolled in the program. He has found a new home as a member of the Augusta Training Shop team and now has a positive outlook on his future. Because of your contributions to United Way, John now has hope and a brighter future.
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United Way Applauds Our Partners for Good!
United Way would like to thank and acknowledge the following Partners for Good who established partnerships with us above and beyond their worksite campaigns for 2009: R.W. Allen & Associates, Inc.; American Audio Visual Services, Inc.; Georgia Bank & Trust Company; Georgia Power; IntelliSystems; Kicks 99; Mass Media Marketing; Moretz Production Service; Pecans Unlimited; Phoenix Printing Group; Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company; Protections Services, Inc. (PSI); Savannah River Banking Company; Savannah River Nuclear Solutions; Southern Nuclear Operating Company - Plant Vogtle; University Health Care System; U.S. Department of Energy; Windsor Jewelers; and WRDW TV12.
Without the generosity of these special sponsors, we would not have been able to produce our many special events, publications, trainings, etc., allowing us to invest more of each donor dollar into programs and services for the community. | | |
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Upcoming Events
2010 Annual Meeting February 23, 2010
12:00 p.m.
Marriott Hotel & Suites
9th Annual United Way Golf Classic
April 19, 2010
Jones Creek Country Club
Nat'l Volunteer Week
April 18-24, 2010
2010 Project Serve
Day of Caring
April 23, 2010 |
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Check Out the Christmas Clearinghouse!
Are you involved with an organization that provides Christmas assistance to families in need? If so, become a part of United Way's Christmas Clearinghouse Initiative today!
The mission of the Christmas Clearinghouse is to fairly distribute holiday assistance so that no family is helped by more than one agency until all needy families have been helped.
Through the use of an online system, local non-profits, faith-based, government and civic organizations check the names of their applicants to ensure they are not being served by other organizations. By reducing duplications, more individuals in need can be assisted with toys and food.
Help us spread Christmas cheer to more families - Click Here to let us know you want to participate. |
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Does your organization want to make a "hands-on" difference?
On April 23, 2010, please join United Way as volunteers from around the CSRA complete projects at local non-profit agencies. Projects include painting, landscaping and basic repairs. This is a great project for groups of all sizes and skill levels.
Please contact Brooke Howell at United Way (706-724-5544) or bhowell@uwcsra.org for more information on how you can be involved.
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Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now!
United Way is seeking sponsorships for our 2010 special events and trainings.
These sponsorships allow us to keep our operating expenses at approximately 13% and allows us to provide more dollars to the programs that help those in need in our community. With your help, we can do so much more than we could ever do alone.
Please consider a partnership with
United Way for the new year. Click Here for a list of 2010 Sponsorship Opportunities. |
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Born Learning Tips for the Holidays
Holiday activities for preschool children are perfect when getting close to Christmas. Practicing shapes by making a Santa face, decorating mittens, or singing are perfect ways to engage your preschooler.
Songs and finger plays are always a big hit with little ones! Try these to compliment your holiday activities for preschool children:
Snow is Falling (to the tune of "Are You Sleeping")
Snow is falling, snow is falling,
All around, all around,
See the pretty snowflakes, see the pretty snowflakes,
Falling down, falling down.
Snowball Counting:
This activity focuses on learning to count and following directions. Using large index cards make a set of 10 cards. The first card has one dot (made with a marker) the second has two dots and so on until you reach 10. Lay the cards on a table and set out 15 cotton ball snowballs. Let your preschooler count the snowballs as he/she places them on the dots that are on the cards.
Enjoy your preschooler this holiday season, embrace their enthusiasm, and have lots of Born Learning fun!
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Join Us On Facebook!
Now you can become a fan of United Way in Facebook by clicking on the link below. The Facebook page of United Way will keep you informed of current news and events and so much more. Become a fan today!  Join us on Facebook. |
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Welcome, New Participating Merchants!
United Way would like to welcome the following Participating Merchants to the Caring Club®:
Anew Salon
Dino's Chicago Express
Offers at these new participating merchants are effective immediately. Click Here to see available discounts. Please remember to show your card at time of purchase.
** Remember to check back in January 2010 for updated Caring Club discounts and offers. 2009-2010 Caring Club® cards will be mailed during the first of the New Year. | |
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IRS Tips for Tax Payers Making Charitable Donations |
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Every year, millions of taxpayers itemize their deductions on their federal tax return. One of the most common itemized deductions is a donation made to a charitable
organization. Here are the top ten things the IRS wants every taxpayer to know before deducting charitable donations. Read More.
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United Way of the CSRA
630 Ellis Street
P. O. Box 1724
Augusta, GA 30903
(706) 724-5544
Fax (706) 724-5541
www.uwcsra.org | | |
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