United Way

Is the fall weather sets in and the leaves start to change color, you have probably noticed the United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) campaign thermometer signs popping up throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties.  With the rising needs in our community from the impacts of Tropical Storm Irma and Hurricane Matthew, UWLC has increased this year’s campaign goal to $2,530,000 to help respond to the increased needs.

     “While it is critically important we reach the campaign goal, the United Way of the Lowcountry annual campaign is not about the money,” said Tina Gentry, United Way of the Lowcountry President & CEO.  “It’s about what those dollars can do in our community to help meet the needs of our neighbors and create positive, lasting change in our community.”

     United Way of the Lowcountry depends on the generosity of this community to reach the annual goal. This time of year many local businesses and employers as well as many residential communities are running United Way campaigns to help raise dollars to fund important programs.  These programs include United Way internal programs like the HELPLINE and the Early Grade Reading Initiative, Read Indeed, as well as many others at local agencies throughout both counties.

     “The 2017-2018 campaign is off to a great start,” says Charlie Francis, deTocqueville Society Co-Chair.  “However, the needs are greater than ever before this year.  My wife, Becky, and I are major supporters of United Way of the Lowcountry and their efforts because we know the dollars we invest in UWLC funds programs like the HELPLINE and Read Indeed that make a measurable difference in our community.”

     United Way of the Lowcountry is not only working to help meet basic needs, but they are also working to address the root causes of key issues through Community Impact by focusing on Basic Needs, Education, Health and Income/Family Stability.

“In my many years of service as a volunteer with United Way of the Lowcountry, I have found this organization has their finger on the pulse of the needs in this community and they vet the charities they fund in a serious and meaningful way,” says Peter Post, deTocqueville Society Co-Chair.

     As of the end of October, United Way of the Lowcountry had reached nearly 46% of their campaign goal.  The 2017-2018 annual campaign runs through March 31, 2018 and takes the generosity of this community and many volunteers to help make it successful.

     “I’m proud to do my part to help this year’s campaign, whether it is presenting to a business or knocking on a door” says Stephanie Greene, Beaufort Cabinet Campaign Chair.  “Giving to United Way with my time and money is important to me.  The money stays in our community and helps those who need a hand. Small towns have that “family feel” where everyone knows everyone and just like family United Way is here to help, give a hug or lift you up. It is an honor to be a part of something that makes our community so great.”

     Donations to United Way of the Lowcountry can be made online at www.uwlowcountry.org, by texting ”LOWCOUNTRY” to 30306 or by sending a check to United Way of the Lowcountry at P.O. Box 202 Beaufort, SC 29901 (Checks should be made out to United Way of the Lowcountry).