As outside temperatures drop, the number of calls for assistance with heating and electricity pick up.  Alarmingly, more than a handful of worried callers report that they have not been successful finding assistance prior to contacting United Way.  Many of these callers voice concerns of keeping their children warm and safe this winter.  For some, it is a matter of life and death. 

The United Way links the community with resources that are available.  "We know who to call, what to do if someone's at their wits end, we know where to send them," says Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director.  "You know many people who are struggling - and maybe you are, too - but now more than ever the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata needs support," said Mulvihill. 

With seventy-five years of helping the community, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata established their campaign goal at $596,500.  "We knew at the beginning of the campaign that our goal was going to be a challenge and certain events beyond our control have made fundraising even more difficult," said Dick Calkins, 2010 Mifflin County campaign ambassador.  "But we increased our goal for a reason.  The needs in the community are greater, so it is our responsibility to adequately fund those organizations that attempt to meet those needs."

At the time of this press release, the United Way reports raising $417,550 or 70%.  As donations continue to trickle into the United Way office in the coming weeks, conservative expectations of those outstanding accounts still leave the overall campaign short of the goal, according to officials.  The campaign officially closes on March 15, 2010.  

"We believe this is doable if everyone gives a little bit," said Mark Partner, Juniata County campaign ambassador.  "Our volunteers will continue to work hard over the next few weeks to follow up with current donors and look for new donors who can help us reach our goal."

Adds Linda Calkins, Mifflin County campaign ambassador, "We need to thank everyone who has already given and we want to encourage those that haven't given to consider supporting the United Way.  We are asking everyone to LIVE UNITED."

Success By 6 is gearing up for a snappy spring season.  In observance of National Children's Dental Health Month in February, SB6 is collaborating with the Mifflin-Juniata Dental Clinic, Juniata Kiwanis, Mifflin County Kiwanis and Mifflin-Juniata CTC Practical Nursing students to give 55 presentations to over 1,000 children at local child care centers, head start programs, and kindergartens.  Representatives from SB6, the Dental Clinic, M-J CTC and School of Nursing will be talking about what to expect during a visit to the dentist, the importance of healthy foods on your mouth, and the proper way to brush and floss.  Each child will also receive a Dental Packet, containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a timer, book, and information for parents. 

As 2010 moves into April, the Read Across the Counties program will be kicking off.  This year's book, What a Treasure! by Jane and Will Hillenbrand, will be read by community volunteers to children throughout Mifflin and Juniata child care centers.  As a special bonus this year, the Juniata County Library will be hosting a visit with the authors on Tuesday, April 27.

Every day, mentors in communities across our Nation provide crucial support and guidance to young people. Whether a day is spent helping with homework, playing catch, or just listening, these moments can have an enormous, lasting effect on a child's life.

Did you know...

·   Nearly half the population of youths between ages 10 and 18 (about 17.6 million young people) live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential.

This month, become a mentor to a child or adult in need and leave a lifelong imprint on someone else's life.  If you are interested in mentoring a child, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters, LUMINA Center (Mifflin County), DeLauter Youth Center (Juniata County), Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, MJ Special Needs Center, or the TIU's Project Yes program.  If you are interested in mentoring an adult, contact the TIU's PA Literacy Corps, Coalition of HOPES, or MJ Special Needs Center.  Or you can contact the UW office for more information.