Bryan County’s United Way drive is at 42 percent of its $150,000 goal with two weeks left in the campaign.
The drive kicked off Sept. 13, where the total goal was announced. The $150,000 target represents a 45 percent increase over 2015. Last year’s goal of $83,000 was surpassed by 18 percent as Bryan County’s contribution reached $98,000.
Kristi Cox, director of the United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Bryan County office, said it is important for people who live in Bryan County but work elsewhere to remember that they can designate their contribution back to Bryan County.
Donors can also specify their money go to a certain nonprofit agency, or to what United Way calls “impact areas,” such as education and youth development, financial stability or health and wellness.
Overall, UWCE has hit 50 percent of its $8.3 million goal.
Local United Way offices stress that 100 percent of contributions go directly to services. UWCE is one of just six, out of 1,200 nationally, that has full administrative support. That is due to a $500,000 gift made in 1955 by Savannah resident Herschel V. Jenkins. Local media — including Bryan County News — also donates some $400,000 worth of paid media annually.
Special contributions can also be made to send a “flock” of pink, plastic flamingoes to a neighbor, colleague or family member. Call the Bryan County office at (912) 459-4111 for more information.