Happy 75^th Anniversary United Way!

For 75 years, the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata (UWMJ) has demonstrated a spirit of selfless service to the community. Established as the Mifflin County Community Fund in 1935 they raised about $41,000.  In 1963 Juniata County came on board as a partner.  Fast forward to 1974 where fund raising amounts approached $250,000 and a name change to the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata.  Last year the 2010 campaign raised $530,885.  Civic pride is important in a community - a source of dignity and honor.  It's about the people and the way we care about one another - all through the years. Check out Face Book for weekly historical fun facts.

This year the United Way will benefit from the leadership of energetic and capable campaign ambassadors - Ruth and Ken Fisher from Mifflin County and Joan Fulkroad from Juniata County.   The goal for the 2011 United Way campaign is set for $575,000.

 Ruth is the manager of JC Penny and Ken is semi-retired from MCS Bank.  When asked why they agreed to be ambassadors Ruth responded, "I believe in United Way and what it does in the community."  Ken added, "The United Way is a terrific organization, doing great things to assist the residents of our communities."  Joan Fulkroad is a Juniata County native who said she wanted to be ambassador because if it's something she can do to help, she wants to do it. "Few of us have lived without the benefit of the United Way," concluded Fulkroad. 

The 2011 annual campaign kicked off on September 15^th with the Day of Caring.  With nearly 360 volunteers - it was the highest participation level ever!  This year's efforts helped 27 non-profit agencies, schools, and government entities with 31 separate projects save over $59,000!  Way to go! Day of Caring

"Tough economic times are not behind us yet, unemployment is still at historic levels, agencies people rely on for help are continuing to operate under pressure of increased volume and less government support, while the needs of those people seeking help are more serious and more complex. Your gift to United Way helps those who need it most in our community," said Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director of UWMJ.

You can help by:

1.      Holding a workplace campaign - whether you have one employee, dozens, or hundreds.  Workplace campaign can be fun, morale building activities that provide your employees with an easy and affordable way to join in supporting the community.

2.      Making a personal pledge to the 2011 United Way campaign.

3.      Encouraging others to support the United Way.

Tax Season is just around the corner -Volunteer.

Although tax season doesn't start for another 3 months, we are already looking for volunteers for the VITA program.  VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers are trained by the IRS to complete simple tax returns for low-wealth workers and families, as well as elderly, disabled, and English-as-a-second-language tax-payers.  The training allows the volunteers to learn about beneficial tax credits, like EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and CTC (Child Tax Credit).  The entire program is free for the clients, so even if they don't receive any credits or refunds, at least they save the cost of a paid tax-preparer.

We've offered the VITA program for two consecutive years, managing to prepare 216 returns and save over $223,500 in refunds and tax credits with just 4 volunteer tax preparers!  Imagine what we could do with 8 volunteers! For more information or to request a volunteer application, contact Kyle at 248-9636 or vista@mjunitedway.org.