United Way nears 60 percent mark on its fundraising goal

United Way of the Lowcountry Inc. has received $1,438,681 in gifts and pledges putting it at 57.6 percent of its $2.5 million annual fundraising goal, according to a news release today. "Our volunteers have been reaching out to everyone they know, but pledges and donations are simply far behind where they need to be," said Elizabeth Lamkin, Hilton Head Island campaign chairman. "The economic climate is obviously the most likely factor in slow pledging, but right now is the time — more than ever, with so many people really needing help — for all of us to give what we can. We have begun mailing letters to people we haven’t heard from. And starting today we will be calling past contributors who haven’t yet made a pledge. Basically we are pulling out all the stops and pleading with people to help." “Local people have been devastated by job losses,” said Walter Nester, chairman of the Bluffton and Jasper County campaign, “and they are calling our agencies in overwhelming numbers, looking for help.” “It’s not yet winter, we are just starting to approach the holiday season, and already staff and volunteers at the Salvation Army, Bluffton Self Help and the Deep Well Project are burning the candle at both ends trying to provide help where it’s needed,” said Kevin Cuppia, Beaufort area chairman. United Way of the Lowcountry campaign contributions fund 39 partner agencies and programs in Beaufort and Jasper counties. Those partner agencies focus on one or more of United Way’s priorities to achieve better health, education, shelter, nutrition and income for local residents and workers.

Chairing the 2009 United Way of the Lowcountry campaign are Kevin Cuppia for the Beaufort area; Walter Nester for Bluffton/Jasper County; and Elizabeth Lamkin for Hilton Head Island. To contribute, to volunteer or for more information go to the United Way Web site at www.uwlowcountry.org or call 843-982-3040 in Beaufort, 843-837-2000 in southern Beaufort County or 843-645-6500 in Jasper County.