Focus on the Need - And Give

Dear Champlainers,

As you know, Chauncey T. Beaver is co-chair of this United Way Campaign, and he is usually content to be the face of the campaign, lending his loveable mug to the posters. Most days, he’s pretty soft spoken, if he says anything at all, and leaves the day-to-day United Way Campaign details and blog updates to me and others on the committee.

But after reading the last couple emails, he pulled me aside yesterday afternoon and said, “Dam it, Steve! I think you are missing the point of why people need to give to United Way. It’s not for the incentive prizes - which are nice and all - but Champlainers need to understand the real needs of the many, especially the little kids, hard-working families and struggling seniors who could use a helping hand.”

Clearly, from the expression on his usually adorable fuzzy face, he was agitated.

He continued, “It’s been a hard year for a lot of people. The economy is flat, people can’t find jobs, their bills are looming and we’ve endured a flood, earthquake and a hurricane this year. All those community needs that were there before all that happened, are still there and in many case, even greater. Times are hard!”

He leaned in, looked me hard in the eyes and it suddenly felt like he was about to poke me in the chest with his paw.

“So, (clearly pausing for emphasis) you need to start reminding people that a gift to United Way makes a huge impact,” he said, leaning in even closer. He pulled out a folded sheet of paper from his pocket (Who knew he had pockets since he rarely wears pants?) with some important numbers and descriptions of what a modest payroll deduction could accomplish over a year. He put in my hand with decided emphasis.

“You know, Champlainers should give at a level that feels comfortable for them. There’s a lot of new faces at Champlain this fall, and some of those folks are new to the area. They might not realize how great our United Way is and how many thousands of people they help every year. Start talking about that,” Chauncey said, actually poking me in the chest a little. He turned quickly, his enormous tail slapped my thighs and he was gone, headed off to the Student Life offices to meet with the SGA about funding or Facebook.

Then he turned and shouted, “I want thank all those people who have already given, but they can still help by encouraging their co-workers who haven’t given yet to make their pledge today!”

Standing there - a bit stunned and rubbing my bruised thigh - I thought, “He’s right you know, just because you have a chance to win a rocking chair or one of my framed Vermont photos, that’s not the real reason you should give to United Way. The real reason is because it is the right thing to do and it makes people’s lives better.”

Here’s what was on the paper Chauncey handed me…
Here are just a few examples of how you can make a difference in your community by investing in United Way:(assumes you get paid every two weeks)

• $2 per pay period ($52 per year) helps one elderly or disabled person with two specialized transportation trips to medical treatment such as dialysis or radiation.

• $5 per pay period ($130 per year) provides one teen with participation in leadership skill development through positive social and recreational activities that will keep him/her off the street.

• $10 per pay period ($260 per year) helps 63 low-income seniors receive a nutritious meal in a social setting which helps prevent malnutrition and isolation.

• $12 per pay period ($312 per year) provides 7 days of preschool care for children who will learn English as a second language and develop skills for a positive school experience in the American culture.

• $20 per pay period ($520 per year) helps one youth with academic, physical and emotional needs spend 10 hours with his/her mentor.

• $30 per pay period ($780 per year) provides one low-income child with over 200 hours of affordable and quality childcare that will help prepare him/her to succeed in school academically and socially.

• $40 per pay period ($1,040 per year) helps 8 adults with acute and long-term illnesses receive a professional home health care visit, including physical therapy, nutrition, and psychiatric services; OR provides one individual with services to help them remain a substance-free and productive member of our community.