Are we really better people at this time of the year?
I don't think so, but it sure seems that way! This is the "season of giving "as they say", and we see evidence of it in food and clothing drives, holiday volunteer projects and holiday giving trees where presents are matched to needy families.
At United Way, this is also a time when we reflect upon our accomplishments and make resolutions for tomorrow. We are pleased with the ground we've covered this year on some very important issues, and grateful for all of the support along the way. This ENews hits on just some of the great things underway, and we know there's much more to come.
Are we better people?? Maybe, but personally, I think the generosity and giving spirit we see now is really there all year round... Certainly, what we do now impacts on people's lives every single day, and for that, we appreciate and thank you for your support.
On behalf of the United Way Board and Staff, have a safe and happy holiday season.
PS... for those last minute "shoppers", it's still not too late to give to United Way. Visit www.uwbucks.org or call 215.949.1660. No matter the size, every gift is a perfect fit, and unlike a sweater or a tie, IT'S TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Bill Schofield
President & CEO
bills@uwbucks.org
215.949.1660CONTENTS:
Schweiker Rally's for United Way and Pre-K
United Way Saves Thousands on Prescriptions
United Way of Bucks Awarded
Multiple
Grants
United Way of Bucks County was recently awarded a state grant designed to provide quality Pre-K programs for children who are within 300% of the poverty level, need support services through an Individual Education Plan (IEP), or who have a language barrier. The grant award is in the amount of $316,000, the second largest award in Bucks County. Funds will be divided between a consortium of childcare centers that include: Sonshine Preschool in Bensalem; Fairy Tales, Inc. in Penndel; Jolly Toddler in Upper Southampton; Rainbow Academy for Little Scholars in Ivyland; Elbow Lane in Warrington; Tabor Children’s House in Doylestown; Lifespan in Quakertown; and the YMCA of Upper Bucks County. We are excited to be able to work with these high quality childcare programs to provide services to children and families throughout the entire county.
More good news to share…..United Way of Bucks County was one of only 11 grant recipients in the state to be awarded funding from the Children’s Trust Fund, aimed at helping to prevent child abuse and neglect. This grant provides training for parents focusing on stress management and communication skills. Additionally, the grant provides for training early childhood education professionals about the warning signs and laws associated with child abuse and neglect. The grant was awarded in the amount of $150,000 over 3 years and will bring together a networking team of law enforcement, child protection and health professionals, as well as teachers and directors. Yet another success for United Way’s Success By 6 initiative.
Business & Community Leaders
Rally
Behind Pre-K
United Way of Bucks County (UWBC) hosted a luncheon for leadership givers and local community & business leaders to raise awareness of the importance of investing in early childhood education. Former Governor Mark S. Schweiker and David E. Callahan, Executive Vice President of the Pennsylvania Partnership for Children were keynote speakers on Monday, Nov. 19th at the Aldie Mansion in Doylestown.
Mark Schweiker and UWBC combined efforts to spread the word about the importance of investing in early childhood. David Callahan presented a strong case for the investment in Pennsylvania’s children. The former Governor applauded United Way and said, “the 5,000 businesses he represents are dependent upon a skilled and educated workforce. The quality of the educational experience at ages 3 and 4 will affect their ability to learn at age 16.” He further stated that the groundwork for a lifetime of learning starts at this early age.
Bill Schofield, President and CEO of the United Way of Bucks County, said “we’re going far beyond our historical role of collecting donations and funding programs.” United Way is also making a measurable difference on community wide issues like early childhood development. “We’re still going to fund programs like beds in the homeless shelter and calls to the domestic violence hotline, but at some point we need to put real energy into solving problems before they start, and that's what we're doing with Success by 6,” he continued.
Gov. Mark Schweiker
United Way Saves Uninsured
Thousands
on Prescriptions
United Way joined forces with FamilyWize to distribute discount prescription cards for people without coverage or in need of specific medications uncovered by their plans. Through October 31st, Bucks County residents have saved over $53,000 using the discount cards, with year end projections topping $80,000! The savings average $18.79 per prescription.
The FamilyWize prescription cards can be picked up at United Way’s Fairless Hills and Quakertown offices, and many pharmacies throughout the county. Companies or organizations who wish to offer these cards to their employees, clients or constituents can contact Paulette at United Way for more information (215.949.1660 ext 112 or pauletteg@uwbucks.org).
Congressman Patrick Murphy, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, Al Sutter, Representing Sen. Tommy Tomlinson and Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, joined United Way of Bucks County to host the “Help Is Here Express” Bus well known throughout the country as the “Montel Williams Bus” at the Bensalem Public Library. Dozens of uninsured, underinsured and low-income people who need affordable prescription coverage were helped in finding reduced cost medications through public and private programs.
United Way’s Success By 6 Initiative was the chosen recipient of the Langhorne Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive. The outpouring of support to supply the children of Bucks County with books donated by store customers has been tremendous. Hundreds of books have already been received by the United Way, with time still remaining before Christmas. Thanks to Barnes & Noble for organizing the Drive and to store customers who so generously gave. You have made the holidays so much brighter for young children just by having a book of their own.
EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EVENT FOR UNITED WAY
- Dec. 15th -
WITH THE SHADYBROOK ROTARY
Volunteering is a great way to make our community stronger. United Way of Bucks County wants to help you find the opportunity that's right for you. If you enjoy helping others, volunteer through the United Way of Bucks County and really make a difference.
There are a variety of opportunities available, such as working with children, special events, disaster relief, feeding the hungry, nonprofit governance and Day of Caring projects. If interested, please contact Gail Rubenstein today at 215-949-1660 ext 110 or visit our website at www.uwbucks.org and click on Volunteers.
Thank you! Community Investment volunteer, Tom Martin, Prudential Insurance, has won a $1,000 Prudential CARES award for his over 423 hours of volunteer work with United Way of Bucks County and the Boy Scouts, Bucks County Council. United Way is pleased and grateful to be the recipient of this outstanding award.
First Federal of Bucks County nearly doubled their campaign from last year due to the enthusiastic support and team work of senior management and bank employees. In addition to providing employees with incentives such as days off for signing up for the United Way payroll deduction, First Federal pledged a generous dollar for dollar corporate match.
GE Water & Process Technologies graciously hosted the United Way’s Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) Training at their beautiful Trevose site. Over fifty representatives from various companies, school districts and member agencies attended the informative event. The fun and festivities directly followed with GE’s own campaign kickoff. Events included a dunking booth for Sr. Executives, "Olympic" style games and a spectacular Putt-Putt Golf course built by staff throughout the facility.
Tri-cycles, Volleyballs, Golf Clubs and even Croquet Mallets were all fair game at the Rohm and Haas campaign kickoff. In addition to giving back, the Rohm and Haas team uses the United Way campaign as a team building project.
Employees at Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems were able to get "bargain basement" pricing on items with company logos on them. Items included everything from tee-shirts and sweat shirts to coffee mugs and tote bags. The creative sale raised almost $3,000 for the United Way.
Council Rock School District rewards donors to the United Way campaign with a dress down day. People make gifts to United Way because they want to help, and adding special thank you's are a great way to increase participation.
It's not just about dollars, says the team at JC Penney! The group got together and volunteered to help at the Lower Bucks American Red Cross Homeless Shelter.
ShopRite in Fairless Hills held a food drive to help restock the pantry for the Red Cross Homeless Shelter. The outpouring of support from ShopRite customers was tremendous, and the Store’s Manager, Mark Blackwell, pledged to continue sending food and personal care items to the shelter.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Langhorne organizes a regional campaign, and raises thousands of dollars with their corporate match, innovative best practices and a much anticipated raffle & auction. Vendors donate prizes, and many Senior Staff are generous and creative with their personal donations, including a "Day at the Spa or Casino" with your supervisor.
ICT Group , Newtown – proudly flew the United Way flag in front of its corporate offices during their campaign. The flag is seen by many commuters, bringing new meaning to HEIGHTENING the public’s awareness of the United Way.
Comcast – invited United Way staff to meet and greet employees, even before their campaign kickoff began to inform donors about the difference their United Way gift is making in Bucks County. Ice cream was served, and employees “got a scoop” while “getting the scoop.”
Bristol Township School District – welcomed United Way Staff to Faculty meetings at schools throughout the district. During these meetings, teachers received a personal thank you and updates on how the United Way is helping agencies provide services to students and families within the Bristol School District.
Quakertown Community School District – educates over 5,400 area children. As in every school district, educators know of the children and families who benefit from United Way funded programs. Some of the United Way member agencies that work with students in the Quakertown area include: NOVA, A Woman’s Place, Upper Bucks YMCA, LifeSpan, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bucks County, Girl Scouts, BC Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and Family Service Association.
Whether it is a weekend stay at a local B&B or an additional paid vacation day, employers at local businesses are coming up with some enticing ways to make the United Way campaigns fun and memorable. Every donor at ABB Instrumentation Division receives a gift for giving on Kick-Off Day; Saint Luke’s Quakertown Hospital rewards its donors with gift card raffle drawings, and lucky Quakertown National Bank employees win additional days off ~ just a few of the many great ideas to make a campaign successful.
Many thanks to our Community Raffle Sponsors. $5,000 Entertainment Package - Comcast, $2,000 Travel Package - Frosch Travel of Doylestown, and 100 Second Shopping Spree - McCaffrey's Markets.
Donors give to United Way to better their communities – thanks to all of you for your support...
