United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently announced it is at 86% of its goal of $1.6 million to support non-profit programs benefitting over 100,000 of the less fortunate in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties in the year ahead. The annual campaign, which officially kicked off in September, will culminate with an announcement at the United Way Annual Meeting on March 31. “These next two months are critical for our United Way to meet the campaign goal and continue providing emergency and crisis assistance for low-income families and much needed programs for children and seniors during these difficult economic times,” said Campaign Chair Tim Feist, of Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

The United Way campaign currently stands at $1,376,414 thanks to the generous  support of local businesses, organizations and individuals who sacrifice to help so many of their neighbors in need. The cornerstone of the campaign are workplace campaigns where employees are given a chance to give at work through payroll deduction. Kathleen Mommé, United Way Executive Director, said, “We have close to 200 workplace campaigns and would love to build that base over the next few months. We would be happy to help local businesses start a campaign and give their employees a chance to make a difference in their local community. It doesn’t matter if they have 2 or 200 employees, giving through payroll deduction is an easy and time efficient way for local businesses to Live United.”

Outside of government, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is the single largest direct funder of non-profit programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, and Dorchester Counties. As a local, independent organization, 100% of all donations stay on the Lower Shore and all decisions on where donor dollars are directed are made by trained volunteers who know local needs. The organization is currently funding 50 local programs such as Meals on Wheels for seniors, housing for the homeless, and medical care for those without health insurance, to name just a few.

To learn more about supporting United Way, volunteering, or starting a workplace campaign, please call 410-742-5143, or visit www.unitedway4us.org.

Top Left Picture (L-R) Board members, Gage Thomas of Choptank Real Estate and Jim Krahn of Interstate Container.

Top Right Picture (L-R) Board members, John Gaddis of Berlin Intermediate School and Elaine Brady of Bayside Gazette.

Bottom Left Picture (L-R) Board members, Rick Nelson of Nelson's Nationwide Insurance Agency and Jay Parker of Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council.