WINCHESTER, VA - They are known for reaching out to help the community when times are tough. The United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley held their second annual public report meeting with good news to bring.
Local companies and campaign volunteers reunited to focus on improving different community needs this year.
"Our focus this year is on education, to try to improve the numbers of students that are graduating on time and to lower the dropout rate in the school systems," says Mary Nordman, campaign 2012 chairperson. "We are also focusing on healthcare for those folks who cannot afford it or fallen between the cracks and don't have insurance."
They say their goal has always been to help the less fortunate and with hard work, progress has been nothing but positive.
The group also says they want to increase financial stability.
"The economy is still not back where it was five years ago so we're very pleased that we have raised $791,000 so far and our goal of course is $1,115,000," says Nordman.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation held by local students who have helped raise money through the "Dimes Worth of Difference" program.
"We did something called a Penny War and it was against our homeroom classes and whoever raised the most money won a prize," says Jackson Sirbaugh, student at Daniel Morgan Middle School.
Nordman says she hopes many will take the time from their hectic schedule to send a check to United Way, no matter what the amount will be because every dollar will make a difference.
The last annual meeting of the United Way will be held on Jan.11, 2013, where they hope to meet their million dollar fundraising goal.
Local companies and campaign volunteers reunited to focus on improving different community needs this year.
"Our focus this year is on education, to try to improve the numbers of students that are graduating on time and to lower the dropout rate in the school systems," says Mary Nordman, campaign 2012 chairperson. "We are also focusing on healthcare for those folks who cannot afford it or fallen between the cracks and don't have insurance."
They say their goal has always been to help the less fortunate and with hard work, progress has been nothing but positive.
The group also says they want to increase financial stability.
"The economy is still not back where it was five years ago so we're very pleased that we have raised $791,000 so far and our goal of course is $1,115,000," says Nordman.
A highlight of the meeting was a presentation held by local students who have helped raise money through the "Dimes Worth of Difference" program.
"We did something called a Penny War and it was against our homeroom classes and whoever raised the most money won a prize," says Jackson Sirbaugh, student at Daniel Morgan Middle School.
Nordman says she hopes many will take the time from their hectic schedule to send a check to United Way, no matter what the amount will be because every dollar will make a difference.
The last annual meeting of the United Way will be held on Jan.11, 2013, where they hope to meet their million dollar fundraising goal.
