Allegan County United Way

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The Kick – Off for our 2009 Campaign is days away. Like last year, I cannot predict the outcome because of our tough economic times. Having said that, last year was a record breaker in terms of outcome – nearly $760,000 which exceeded the total the year before and set a record in terms of money raised and achieving our goal for the first time in Allegan County history. We accomplished this unbelievable record because of local heroes like you who donated your money and your time. We THANK YOU for your support of United Way.

Thanks to the generosity of not only our grocery store hosts, Village Market - Allegan, Dick's Market - Dorr, and Harding's in Plainwell and Wayland, but also to their customers

and employees, we raised over $ 4,000 in donated food items for our local food pantries to be distributed to families in need in those communities. A special thank you to the wonderful folks at Dick's Market who agreed to match dollar for dollar any items donated at their location in Dorr!

Many thanks also go to the school districts and local churches, Plainwell Public Schools, Allegan Public Schools, Wayland Union Schools, and Gun Lake Church, that not only donated the buses but provided drivers as well. And of course, there would not have been a food drive without the help of the many volunteers from the local food pantries who staffed the buses and helped unload and sort the donations.

In these tough economic times it is heartening to see Allegan County residents pitching in to help our struggling friends and neighbors. The spirit of community is alive and well in Allegan County where we truly do know what it means to "Live United".

JOIN HANDS DAY 2009 & Day of Caring

National Community Service Initiatives

Want to get involved and give back to your community?

Call Karen today for more details (269) 673-6545 x13

karen@acuw.org

Campaign Kick-off & National Day of Caring

September 24^th, 2009

We are firing up the grill for a hot dog lunch at noon (everyone is welcome to attend-please rsvp to djennings@acuw.org) Day of caring volunteer projects begin at designated times and locations.   (If you are interested in volunteering for a work project        contact karen@acuw.org)         We hope you will join us for food, fun and festivities!

   Noon – 1:30pm   ALLEGAN COUNTY UNITED WAY OFFICE 650 GRAND ST, ALLEGAN MICHIGAN


   Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

   Allegan County United Way's VITA Program offers free tax preparation & e-File of basic Federal and State returns to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below), Seniors and residents with disabilities. Allegan County United Way will be heading up the VITA program again this year a couple of different options for area residents. (Times and locations will be announced at a later date)

    1.     Super Saturdays - Clinic style (1^st come / 1^st served) will be held several Saturdays in February and March at various locations throughout the county.

    2.     Ad hoc sites -Volunteers preparers will be available at various agencies on an appointment only basis.

If you are interested in becoming an IRS certified VITA volunteer call Karen at 269-673-6545 x13 or e-mail her at karen@acuw.org

Business Blitz 2009

Allegan County United Way & Volunteer Center will once again be offering small businesses the opportunity to participate in this year's Campaign through the annual Business Blitz. New this year will be the opportunity to win a one-week free black and white 1/8 page ad for your business in the Flashes newspaper. All businesses that donate during the Blitz will be eligible to enter the drawing that will be held during the United Way Campaign Kick-off on September 24^th.

Prior to September 24^th, businesses will be encouraged to collect contributions in any way they prefer. You can give a straight donation, put a canister on the counter, sell the new United Way paper t-shirts, do a casual day promotion with employees, or give a portion of sales for a day ($1.00/haircut, $1.00/car wash, 1% of coffee sales etc.). You can be as creative as you like. ACUW staff and volunteers will be happy to help you brainstorm ideas for what will work best for you and your business!

United Way volunteers will visit or contact businesses in Allegan beginning September 14^th and donations and/or pledges will be collected the week of September 21st.

Volunteers are still needed to help call on businesses and collect donations. Time commitments can be as little as two hours or as much as 10 days. All materials and training will be provided and all volunteers will receive the much sought after new Live United t-shirt!

Your participation in United Way's Campaign helps 21 partner organizations feed the hungry, provide shelter to the homeless, help children suffering from abuse and neglect, and provide struggling Allegan County families with hope.

87% of funds raised go directly to these agencies with just 13% covering administrative costs. In addition Allegan County United Way administers internal programs including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - early childhood literacy program; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - providing free tax preparation services to low-income, senior and disabled individuals and families and 211 - 24 hour social and human service referral line.

If a volunteer does not call on you and you would like to participate, or you would like to volunteer, please contact the United Way office at 269-673-6545 x 13.