By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
They United Way of Greater St. Joseph wrapped up the public portion of their 2022 fundraising campaign on Thursday with a celebration at Spratt Stadium on the Missouri Western campus.
United Way Campaign Chair Scott Albers, president of Nor-Am Cold Storage, says the United Way, so far this year, has raised $2,303,695. He says none of this would be possible without the help of the volunteers and partners of United Way.
"They bring the juice," Albers said. "They're the ones who drive the fundraising and being able to make it happen for our partner agencies. You see the hard work they put in and it's amazing."
Albers says this is about three thousand dollars more than what was raised at this time a year ago.
United Way of St. Joseph kicked off its annual fundraising campaign on September 1, and they'll still be taking donations through the end of this year.
Albers says anyone can help this cause if they want by simply contacting the United Way office.
"Our organization is run off of volunteers and donations," he said. "So, please reach out to the United Way here in town. Whether that's to make a donation. We're still taking those in. Our campaign is not over. But, if you're looking for volunteer opportunities, we have lots of those that can fit about any skill set or schedule."
The money raised from the campaign goes toward the United Way's 17 partner agencies, initiatives and grants. More than 150 volunteers are involved in deciding how these dollars are allocated.
"Ninety-three percent of the money raised all stays with the United Way and our 17 partner agencies," Albers said. "So, it stays right in the community that you donate to."