Amy Peoples, executive director for United Way of South Talladega County, said they rely heavily on area businesses to raise funds. She said her group received some much-needed good news from one of those businesses this week.
“We’ve received information that we will receive $15,196.58 from Honda,” Peoples said. “They had a rally, and we did go out and participate. Several of our agencies attended with us so if [Honda’s] employees had any questions they could ask directly. Then they are given the option of giving, and Honda matches 33 cents on each dollar.”
United Way was still only a fraction of the way toward its planned tally, despite the sizable donation. Peoples said that the organization has reached 21 percent of their $155,000 goal.
“Right now it’s really slow moving,” she said. “I guess because of the economy in the shape that it’s in — we are really seeing that.”
The organization sent out between two and three times the normal amount of fundraising packets this year. Campaign chairman Adam Tipps said in September it was “more important than ever that we get out and get a lot of these commercial or small business accounts.”
Peoples added they were sending packets to Childersburg businesses. The city was recently put under the organization’s coverage area.
“We’re hopefully going to get a lot of new givers in the Childersburg area, because we’re also benefiting the people in that area also,” she said. “So we want to give those businesses the opportunity to contribute.”
Peoples said 99 percent of the money that is raised goes back into the local area. Some of the groups the United Way helps fund include the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE), Boys Club, the Children’s Emergency Fund and Easter Seals.
Peoples also said individuals are encouraged to donate along with businesses.
“Those are definitely needed,” she said. “A lot of the businesses are still giving but because of unemployment and things like that, everything is reduced from what it normally is. So, maybe that can help make up the difference.”
To find out more information on the United Way, South Talladega County, call Amy Peoples at (256) 267-0000. Donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 834, Sylacauga, Ala. 35150.
