Have you made someone smile today?

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Have you made someone smile today?  You should try it!  If you have supported the United Way of Laurens County you have exposed someone’s pearly whites - and we thank you for that!

Despite our shortfall with campaign, there were many smiles passed along - All thanks to our donors, volunteers, and partner agencies!  And since you so graciously gave of your time and resources to make that happen, we want to make sure that you know the wonderful things you did!

The Open Door Christian Center housed 89 men in need of shelter and rehabilitation.  Some of these men have obtained jobs, returned home, and repaired their families.  Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board partnered with the Laurens YMCA to offer a wellness program to 50 disabled citizens. This program allows these residents to exercise their mind and body in ways that most of us take for granted.   The Laurens YMCA was also able to offer high quality childcare to more than 400 children in our community, allowing parents to hold a stable job.  The Clinton YMCA provided almost $11,000 in child care aid to those in need.  Senior Options has traveled over 200,000 miles transporting cancer and other patients to medical appointments.  The SAFE Home of Laurens County provided services to over 1,000 victims of domestic violence.  The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program has helped 15 high school students realize the importance of finishing school and furthering their education.  The Bowers-Rodgers Home for Children provided shelter, medical care, and educational support to 49 children from Laurens County that had been neglected or abandoned. 

In addition to these successful programs (and many more), there were other events that also deserve mention.  In August 2010 the community pulled together and collected over 6,500 school supplies to help underprivileged students.  From kindergarten through twelfth grade, students in need received notebooks, pencils, binders, book bags, and more to help ensure a successful year in school.  More than 100 ladies attended our “Bring One, Wear One” event and provided much needed items for women and children in our local SAFE Home. In December 2010 a new event, ‘FIR’ A Cause, was introduced.  A Christmas Tree filled with donated goods and services was auctioned to help raise funds.  The winning bid for the tree was $1,700, which was designated directly to support our agency programs.

Again, in February 2011, the community stepped forward collecting more than 200 small gift bags filled with lotions, tissues, candy, etc. to distribute to senior adults in Laurens County.  Trying another new event, PC Basketball and United Way teamed up for the last home game of the season to “white out” the gym at the end of February.  At half time, partner agencies were recognized and all children present were able to get a photo with the PC mascot in his LIVE UNITED t-shirt.  In March, donors came out to Fatz Café to enjoy all-you-can-eat Pancakes and Lucky Charms, while raising almost $1,000.  The annual Golf Championship in May raised a grand $10,500 to help fund the Imagination Library program.  In April 2011 more than 125 volunteers came forward and completed projects at area non-profits. 

There are many more success stories that are out there, so know that your investment to United Way of Laurens County is doing amazing things! …All while passing along amazing smiles!