United Way of Wayne County on track for 2015 campaign
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on September 23, 2015 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MELISSA KEY
Justin McLamb, United Way of Wayne County community campaign chairman, stands outside of his office at The Little Bank beside a fundraising sign.
Improving the lives of local people and educating the community on its mission are the two main focuses of United Way of Wayne County during its 2015 campaign.
Officially kicking off with the Elvis tribute concert at the end of August and concluding around the end of November, this year's campaign is already at 37 percent of its goal of $1.18 million. So far, about $437,000 has been raised to improve the lives of 8,700 people, said Justin McLamb, community campaign chairman and vice president/commercial relationship manager at The Little Bank.
"Compared to last year, we are just slightly ahead over last year's campaign," McLamb said. "But it's still early. There's no time to take your foot off the gas pedal. We've got to keep plugging along.
"Whether you're ahead by a lot, that can change in no time. We're keeping track of the campaign on a weekly basis to compare it to last year. We've got a long ways to go, but the campaign is up and running."
McLamb said there have already been some bright spots in this year's campaign.
AP Exhaust Technologies is doing its first-ever employee campaign. Anchor Coupling had a 10 percent increase over its campaign last year. Jackson and Sons had a 20 percent increase. And Cooper Standard had a 23 percent increase. McLamb also said the United Way board has been out in the community doing visits with local business owners to establish and to strengthen relationships.
"It's good to get out in front of them and let them know how important they are to United Way," he said.
"We've also made relationship visits to all of the Wayne County public schools principals, telling them what United Way's focus is. Educating people is the high priority of United Way. If we can get in front of them, educate them on what United Way is doing and the impact we're having, they will be more willing to invest in United Way, so we can reach more people and impact more lives. "
United Way's board is letting the community know that the main focus of the organization is the youth population up to 10 years old.
"We want to nurture those children to make them more successful in school, create role models to those young people who may not have any. That group, those are the folks that are behind us and we want to make sure they can take care of us. By improving those lives, it's going to make this county a better place," McLamb said.
McLamb also talked about the Fair Share Challenge, where donors give their fair share -- one hour's pay per month -- and are entered into a drawing for $5,000 in cash.
There will be 21 finalists, one drawn weekly through Dec. 10.
For more information about United Way or to donate or volunteer, call 919-735-3501.