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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesUNITED WAY NEEDS YOUR HELP--NOW

UNITED WAY NEEDS YOUR HELP–NOW

For more than 20 years, the United Way has been very instrumental in providing assistance to our community.
In fact, since 1978, the United Way has raised more than $6.6 million dollars that has been distributed to the St.Thomas/ St. John community through its many member agencies.
The numerous member agencies that receive much needed funds from the United Way are listed below. You will find in parenthesis the focus of each agency:
— V.I. Council Boy Scouts (youth development).
— Girl Scout Council of the V.I. (youth development).
— Fair Havens Camp (summer program).
— Civil Air Patrol (youth development).
— Downstreet People's youth in action (youth
development).
— Friends of Volunteers in Public Schools (youth development).
— Lutheran Reformation Summer Program (summer program).
— St. Thomas Reformed Church summer program (summer program).
— Catholic Charities (services for the homeless, the elderly, and the youth).
— Ebenezer Gardens (senior citizens home).
— Shaky Acres (for the homeless, recovering alcoholics, and substance abusers).
— American Red Cross (disaster & emergency services).
— V.I. Advocate program (to assist victims of violent crime).
— Dial A Ride St. Thomas and St. John (provides transportation for the elderly and disabled).
— Legal Services of the V.I. (provides free legal representation for the less fortunate).
Yes, all of these very important and much needed agencies are continuously providing services to the people of the Virgin Islands. The United Way provides assistance to all of these agencies in the form of financial asistance through fund raising, as well as financial management asistance.
The United Way is the single largest supporter of these agencies in our
community. It's important to recognize that these funds are raised through the generous gift offerings from our business community, as well as individuals like yourselves.
Many people have found that they are able to
give to the United Way each pay period through payroll deductions. This allows individuals to have a predetermined amount of money deducted from their earnings each pay period.
The people who use this process of payroll
deduction have realized that they never even miss the few dollars per pay period that they set aside to support these worthwhile causes in our community. Keep in mind that all funds that are collected stay right here
in our community to provide assistance in our community.
There is also a group of people called Pacesetters who give $500 or more to the United Way. All business owners, managers, executives, professionals and anyone else are encouraged to join the Pacesetters.
I'm sure that each of us understands the fact that "to whom much is given, much is
required." Pacesetters live by this premise.
This year, due to many unforeseen circumstances, the United Way needs
everyone's participation more than ever.
Many people have heard of the United Way, and most know that the United Way is an organization that has had a positive effect in the community. But many people may not have been aware of the far-reaching, positive effect that the United Way and its
member agencies has on our community.
Now that you are better informed, we need you to spread the word and help to inform others. If you spread the good news about the United Way, you will have begun the process of helping to make our community a better place.
Secondly, your financial assistance is necessary if the United Way is going to be able to provide the necessary funding to the member agencies.
If you have not yet signed up for payroll reduction at your place of employment, do it today. If there is no payroll deduction at your place of employment, call the United
Way office of St. Thomas/St. John at 774-3185, so that you can give your cash donation.
Also, if you would like to learn more about being a Pacesetter, please call us, and a member of our board of directors will
give you more information.
Time is critical, so don't delay. To help
someone is the greatest feeling in the world. Call today, because you can make a difference.
Scott Barber
St. Thomas

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