Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

Be A HERO, Help United Way Offer Hope, Empowerment, Renewal, Opportunity Through Annual Campaign

Since a group of caring Hopkins County citizens and business people got together in 1955, Hopkins County United Way each year has continued to work to help local agencies do more for the common good.

As reported by the later Bill Bradford in 2001, the purpose and process of HCUW continues to be the same today as it was during the first campaign in October 1955:

The 2019-2020 campaign which is being launched with workers and top contributors’ kickoff lunches and will continue through the end of the month, to Nov. 6 if necessary, is targeted at raising $165,000 — the same as last year — for 20 organizations which benefit people of all ages and demographics with the hope, empowerment, renewal and opportunities each offers.

One percent of the funds raised is paid to United Way Worldwide, which all local United Way organizations are required to be members of; the remaining 99 percent stays in Hopkins County. Funds collected during the current campaign will be distributed in 2020 to the 20 organizations, as budgeted and allocated, in quarterly installments.

The organizations selected to benefit from this year’s campaign can be viewed below, along with their allocation and a little about each designated recipient organization.

While the campaign goal remains $165,000, one additional organization will benefit from the 2019-2020 campaign than in the 2018-19 campaign. And, funding amounts varied for a few other multi-year recipients.

Added this year to the list, as a $1,500 beneficiary, is Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry. According to information provided top HCUW, JJFP served 420 individuals in Hopkins County in 2018.

Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Children’s Center of ECI has joins the recipients’ list this year, with an allocation of $1,500. Last year, Our Place/Lakes Regional Community Center received $4,500 from the campaign.

Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard has been allocated $8,200 in the current campaign, a $200 increase. This year, $1,000 has also been allocated to Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Empty Stocking.

East Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse has been allocated $2,250 this year, up from $500 last year.

Meal-A-Day of Sulphur Springs will receive an additional $750 this year, up from $7,000 last year.

The Dinner Bell has been allocated $3,750, a $250 increase.

Lake Country CASA has been allocated $9,000, a $100 increase over last year’s budget.

The $8,000 allocated to Heritage Christian Counseling Center this year is $300 less than last year.

Lil 4’s was not listed this time. The group was allocated $2,250 from last year’s campaign.

Community members are invited to be a HERO for the many individuals served by the 20 agencies and groups allocated funds by participating in or contributing to the 2019-20 HCUW fundraising campaign.

The many volunteers who donate their time to work the campaign should be in the process of handing out donation packets to local businesses, schools and organizations. Anyone who is not part of a business or group participates in HCUW who would like to contribute may contact any campaign worker; campaign chairs Beverley and Bill Owens; President Mike Jumper; Executive Secretary Susan Berning; mailed directly to HCUW Campaign Headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75483-0735; or by calling 903-243-4066 and leaving a message.

Campaign workers report meetings will being at 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; and a final meeting if needed on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Texas AgriLife Extension Office.

Author: KSST Contributor

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