Jimmy Burnsed

Guest column

For over half a century I have supported United Way of the Coastal Empire and I encourage my friends and neighbors in Bryan County to join me by giving to United Way’s Community Fund.

Bryan County is our home. All of our successes start here, but so do all of our challenges. By uniting our efforts, we can empower everyone to succeed.

United Way improves lives by providing a safety net of programs and services for the most vulnerable and pathways for upward mobility. No other local agency brings together donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, faith-based groups, community leaders, government experts, and those in need to identify the Coastal Region’s challenges and tackle them at their roots like United Way of the Coastal Empire. Real people, just like you, help to determine how donated dollars are invested. Dozens of volunteers, along with the United Way Community Investment team, spend hundreds of hours determining which programs best align with our strategies to achieve our goals for 2022 and create lasting impact in our communities.

Last year, 44% of our region’s population received support through the United Way’s Community Fund, many who never needed help before. In Bryan County, over 10,000 of our friends and neighbors were assisted by United Way funded agencies, and we supported over 900 residents by providing information and resources at our Bryan County Service Centers.

When disaster struck in the form of a devastating tornado in North Bryan County in early April, United Way was there, partnering with American Red Cross, America’s Second Harvest, Bryan County Family Connection, the Salvation Army, and other organizations to provide direct assistance to those affected by the tornado and help them rebuild their lives.

Please join me by donating to improve lives in Bryan County by giving through your workplace, by making a donation online at www.uwce.org, or mailing a check to 9611 Ford Ave., Richmond Hill, GA 31324 or PO Box 430, Pembroke, GA 31321.

In 2018, Mr. Burnsed was the recipient of UWCE’s Spirit of Advocating Award for his unwavering support for more than half a century. His involvement with United Way began over 60 years ago when the organization was known as The Community Chest and he is largely responsible for the establishment of United Way of Bryan County.