81st United Way campaign sets new fundraising record
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (March 15, 2024) – The United Way of Tuscarawas County has been thanking volunteers and supporters after another record year of giving.
The organization’s 81st annual campaign raised over $770,000, a more than 20 percent increase over last year’s total. Edward Jones Financial Advisors Mitch and Kiley Kendall chaired the campaign and shared the good news by video.
“We are fortunate to live in a generous community that is always seeking new ways to give back, including private events, public campaigns, and – yes -Tuscarawas County’s first Pickleball Open”
The United Way’s annual campaigns used to end with an awards banquet for volunteers and contributors, but the organization started thanking everyone virtually during the pandemic.
“We are grateful for the support of our community and as your 2023 campaign chairs, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Executive Director Robin Waltz recognized this year’s Vic Marsh Service Award winner Alison Kerns, a longtime United Way supporter and past president who now serves as the executive director for HARCATUS.
“Under Alison’s leadership, HARCATUS has received a Pioneer Award, a President’s Award, and a Leadership Circle Award from the United Way, which recognizes the organization’s strong commitment and support of our community.”
The money raised will support 16 local health and human service programs including Mobile Meals, the Tuscarawas Clinic for the Working Uninsured, the and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which provides a free book to participating kids each month until their 5th birthday.
“Every eligible child in Tuscarawas County can participate for free. At the end of 2023, we had over 3,500 children enrolled. Over 2,000 local children have graduated from the program, and 121,000 books have been mailed out over the last four years.”
The organization also administers the local 211 information hotline and the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that has filed almost a thousand returns for free, saving participants an estimated $1.1-million.