We kicked off this year’s annual United Way campaign on September 29, 2022. Between fundraising activities and pledges, our employees are on track to donate more than $20,000 this campaign year. Linn Area Credit Union will chip in a company pledge of $5,000, bringing the grand total to $25,102!
Eighty-three percent of our staff elected to participate in the payroll deductions and one-time giving, which exceeded our goal of 80 percent participation. A total of 76 employees were either new donors or increased their pledged giving from the previous year, which earned them a chance to win their choice of an Iowa State Cyclone or Iowa Hawkeye fire pit ring. Additionally, 35 employees donated at a leadership or society level, automatically earning eight hours of paid time off and an entry into a drawing for a $200 gift card. Other incentives to give included a jeans day and gift certificates to local businesses.
To raise money, we held a variety of fun activities at our Thursday training on October 6, including a bags tournament, bingo, and trivia. Participation fees were donated to United Way.
Staff members also brought in nonperishable food items, diapers, and baby wipes to donate. Our departments divided into teams to build creative displays with their donations. Ali Sauer from United Way of East Central Iowa judged the displays. (She admitted awarding first place was a very difficult choice!) We delivered a full truckload of food items to the Catherine McAuley Center, and an entire SUV-full of diapers and wipes to the Young Parents Network.
Altogether, we had a great time raising money for United Way and doing good for our communities! A huge thanks to our United Way committee members!