The United Way of the CSRA announced a $2.3 million fundraising goal Aug. 25 via a news release.
Some people might be surprised at that number, said Brittany Burnett, the organization’s president in a phone interview. That goal is higher than last year’s, which was $2.17 millio,n and higher than the total raised of $2.19 million, but she believes it’s achievable.
“People have been seeing us in a different way,” she said.
MORE: United Way of the CSRA Releases Impact Report
The United Way has typically been more in the background, but the pandemic caused the organization to have more of a role in direct services through initiatives such as Ride United, a transportation access partnership with Lyft; Sigh of Relief, an emergency rent and utilities program that is a partnership with Augusta-Richmond County; Stuff the Bus, which furnishes school supplies to children in K-12 in Richmond, Burke and Columbia counties as well as Augusta Technical College students, she said.
Also, the organization distributed more than 400,000 pieces of personal protective equipment and, in a joint effort with the Community Foundation for the CSRA, the United Way raised and distributed more than $1.9 million for direct COVID-19 relief that impacted 121,000 households in the Augusta area.
“The past 18 months have been a challenge to many residents in our community. United Way is here to help address both the short and long terms needs of our residents, but we can’t do that without the support of our fellow colleagues, friends and neighbors,” said United Way of the CSRA Board Chair Jordan Pierce in a prepared statement.
The money the United Way raises funds 40 programs at 27 charities. Some of the funding goes to income-based childcare at the YMCA, after school services at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, therapeutic child care at Hope House, a job sampling program for adults with special needs at Easter Seals East Georgia; advocacy services for veterans at Forces United; an emergency shelter at the Salvation Army; disaster preparation and relief at the American Red Cross; emergency meals through the Golden Harvest Food Bank; and dental services at Christ Community Health Service of Augusta.
MORE: United Way of CSRA Establishes Rent and Utilities Assistance Program
Burnett said she was encouraged that during the pandemic year, not only did people give to COVID-19 relief programs, but they also gave to organizations whose work continued.
“Great work is happening,” she said.
People can donate to the United Way in multiple ways. Some companies offer payroll deduction plans, or people can donate via check, online or text-to-give.
To learn more, visit uwcsra.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
[adrotate banner=”56″]
