The holidays, while fun and festive, can be a very tough time of year, especially in a sluggish economy. Money might be tight, but that only increases need in the community.
Despite the economic hardships, however, Santa Maria city employees were able to raise more than $23,000 for the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way—a 20 percent increase from last year.
The city’s annual United Way campaign dates back more than 20 years. City employees have always found a way to give because they have a vested interest in the community they serve, city officials said.
“Our goal is to donate more than we did the year before,” campaign co-chair Michelle Ladue said.
Donations made to the United Way are tax deductible and stay in the community. The money helps assist dozens of local nonprofit organizations that provide everything from meals to shelter to youth services and programs. Even a little can go a long way. Reinvesting in the community will provide immediate help to those who need it and continue to pay dividends many years down the line, according to city officials.
Though donors can specify where their money will go, most will be sending theirs to the United for Literacy initiative, which seeks to improve on-time graduation rates and increase the number of students reading at grade level. Engaging families and individuals to read fits in with the United Way’s mission to help ensure future success.
“It was the focus this year for their campaign,” Ladue said. “We let the employees know it was their focus.”
A check presentation will take place on Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. in the City Hall courtyard, 110 E. Cook Street, in Santa Maria.
Intern Jacob Lopez compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 16-23, 2010.