Fall is the season that many associate with United Way as the majority of our workplace campaigns are run around this time. And since we kicked off our campaign on September 17, it probably feels to many like we should be wrapping up just about now!

The truth is, we’re on track to have a great campaign, but we still have a long way to go and need your help to get there. At about 20% of our $2.75 million goal, we are still working with many companies big and small to run their campaigns. However, it’s always a good sign when one of the earliest and largest campaigns comes in with a 12% increase over last year. (I’m talking about you Johnsonville-nice work!)

How can you help us get there? There are a number of ways:

• If your employer runs a United Way campaign, participating is the easiest way for you to contribute. Check with your employer to see if they will match part or all of your gift. This can make your contribution go even farther than it would on its own!
• If your employer does not run a United Way campaign, mention it to your HR department. Maybe you can convince them to start one!
• If you don’t work at a company running a campaign, you can give to United Way directly. Not on our direct mailing list? Let us know your contact information and we’ll get you signed up so you can give via credit card, check or cash. Or just pop in sometime! We love visitors.

It’s easy to make a gift. But why support United Way of Sheboygan County? What does United Way do? We mobilize volunteers, community leaders and experts in the fields of education, income and health to determine how to invest your donation, along with the donations of 10,000 other Sheboygan County residents, in programs proven to make a lasting community impact.

For example, we know that positive role models are critical to a child’s education, so we helped 1,863 children take part in mentoring programs last year. We know that people in crisis need help right now but also the tools to become self-sufficient, so we helped 12,596 people receive case management services. We know that accessing mental health services is difficult for low-income individuals, so we helped 2,597 low-income individuals receive counseling services.

When we all come together to improve education, income and health, we lift up our whole community. Thank you to everyone who has already made a contribution to the 2015 Campaign and thank you to those who will.