SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Schuylkill United Way officially started its campaign Friday with a head-start on reaching the $1,016,000 goal that will help its member agencies continue to serve county citizens.
“We’re already at 30 percent, $300,000,” 2016 Campaign Chairman Kelly Austin told about 75 people attending the kickoff breakfast at Penn State Schuylkill. “What remains consistent in our community is an ethos of giving.”
Austin, who serves as Penn State Schuylkill’s chancellor, remembered that he and his family benefitted from United Way agency services when he was growing up.
“I would not be standing here today” without that help, he said. “My family just struggled.”
Founded in 1936 as the Community Chest, Schuylkill United Way conducts an annual campaign to raise money for its 15 member human services agencies.
Austin showed those at the breakfast the campaign video, “Building a Better Tomorrow,” and reminded them that they have until Nov. 21 to reach the fundraising goal.
“We have the opportunity to make a difference,” he said.
Doug Allen, executive director of one of the member agencies, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Schuylkill County, said United Way’s support makes a real difference for his group.
“The impact has been tremendous,” he said. “We’re able to continue to grow our services.”
Kelli Childs and Jada Minrod are two examples of that difference.
Childs is Minrod’s “big sister” from the program, and each told those at the breakfast that Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped them both.
“She’s always been there for me,” Minrod said of Childs.
Minrod said she came from a home that was ravaged by alcohol and drugs, and Childs helped guide her on the right path in life.
Childs, in turn, said Minrod has become part of her family.
“I’m not going to be her mother, but I can be her big sister,” Childs said. “Jada calls us and we’re there for her. My goal is to keep her out of trouble.”
The campaign has received a significant part of its momentum from the Pacesetters Club, which is comprised of people who donate at least $500 to it.
“We’re all expecting really great things,” Joseph H. “Jay” Jones Jr., co-chairman of the Pacesetters Club, said. He said the 167 Pacesetters already have pledged $160,247 to the campaign.
Schuylkill United Way Executive Director Kelly K. Malone said after the breakfast that the campaign is ahead of where it was last year.
“That’s good for our community,” she said. “It takes everybody and every dime.”