For 80 years, the United Way of the Midlands has helped thousands of people in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties, by helping families dealing with marital problems, alcohol and drug abuse problems, troubled teens, health issues and aging parents.
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Today, (Oct. 6) UNMC kicks off its United Way campaign with a goal of $125,000. Campaign contributions, which can be made through UNMC’s payroll deduction, help support more than 145 health and human service programs across the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Bellevue metropolitan areas.
Employees who turn in their pledge cards will be eligible for prize drawings. Drawings will be Oct. 10, 17 and 24. Watch UNMC Today for the winners.
“Contributing to the United Way campaign is a wonderful opportunity to help the agencies that serve so many individuals on a day-to-day basis,” said Gerald Moore, M.D., chairman of UNMC’s United Way campaign and associate dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. “A successful campaign will ensure that those vital services continue for everyone in our community.”
Overall, the United Way of the Midlands hopes to raise $20 million through its 2003 campaign. Of every dollar donated to the campaign, 90 cents goes to programs and services that help people improve the quality of their lives. Here are few examples:
- $3 a week will give a disadvantaged person the training and assistance needed to find a meaningful job.
- $10 a week will equip 20 kids with the skills and information they need to stay safe from abuse and other dangers.
- $12 a month will provide low-income senior citizens with healthy meals and guidance on financial and health issues.
- $20 a week will enable five new or expectant mothers to receive prenatal care and parenting classes that give their families a better chance at a safe and healthy life.
Gifts to the campaign also support the United Way of the Midlands “First Call for Help,” which helps individuals connect with human services offered across the Omaha metro area. Individuals in Douglas, Sarpy, Cass and Dodge counties can dial 2-1-1 to find local organizations that offer everything from utility assistance to elder care information. Callers outside the four Nebraska counties may dial 444-6666. The hotline operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Also on the Web at www.uwmidlands.org/directory).
In addition, campaign dollars help compile the Greater Omaha Human Care Profile, which is comprehensive information about living conditions in the metro (www.uwmidlands.org/profile.htm). It also helps with The United Way’s Volunteer Resource Center, which matches an individual’s skills and schedule with one of hundreds of local organizations seeking volunteer help. For more information, go to www.uwmidlands.org/volunteer or call 342-LINK.
Employees also can direct their United Way pledge to The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center and The Nebraska Organ and Tissue Donor Coalition, which have been designated as write-in United Way charities. To donate to these organizations, use the following addresses on the pledge form:
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center
Research, Education and Patient Care Activities Fund
8712 West Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114
Nebraska Organ and Tissue Donor Coalition
986640 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-6640
(402) 559-3788