GRHS employees donate $8,826 to United Way

Glacial Ridge Health System employees generously invested in the future of Pope County by donating $8,826 during the United Way's fundraising campaign "LIVE UNITED." Since the annual campaign first began at GRHS in 2011, employees have donated $46,923 to the United Way of Douglas and Pope County. The donations go far, but never far away. 99 cents of every dollar raised in Pope County stays in Pope County.

GRHS' United Way Committee's goal was to reach $8,000 with a pizza party for all employees if they raised $8,500. Both goals were exceeded once again.

Employees were given an opportunity to donate in numerous ways such as direct giving, setting up payroll deductions or through a PTO cash-out option. Being able to cash out their PTO for a donation provides many employees the ability to donate more than they could otherwise, and they are happy to do it. A thermometer used to gauge the donation level was posted in the Café and helped keep everyone informed and excited about the difference they were making. We all win when a child succeeds at school, a family becomes financially stable, and when our neighbors are in good physical and mental health.

The building blocks for a good life are quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health. The United Way's goal is to create long lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. This is being achieved by partnering with 39 programs in Pope and Douglas Counties.

The need is year-round and so are the giving opportunities. Here are a few of the programs that are helping the United Way of Pope and Douglas Counties make a difference – and where you can help. Plant an Extra Row and donate your extra garden produce this summer. By giving financially, you support programs in our school district including Half Pint (milk breaks), the Traveling Tree House, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (monthly books received in the mail for ages 0-5), and Backpack Attack (healthy, self-serve food sent home with kids). You can also make a big difference by donating school supplies in the fall (Stuff the Bus) and your family's gently worn coats and cold weather clothing for children and adults for Coat Distribution each winter. You can also Adopt a Family for Christmas or make financial gifts throughout the year.

Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people. LIVE UNITED. Visit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties online at http://www.uwdp.org or call 320-834-7800 to learn how you can donate or volunteer.