Local United Way campaign underway, looking for support

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties has a goal of $1.2 million for the 84th Annual 2022 Campaign. The 2022 Campaign Chair Tammie Alexander said the organization supports more than 35 programs in the area that aim to improve health outcomes, increase educational attainment and provide a safety net to those in need.

“The theme for our campaign this year is “We Can Move Mountains,” Alexander said,” It’s really because a lot of our state are mountains that are challenges and sometimes just facing it and knowing where to turn for help and guidance to get over that mountain is the hardest part.

Some of the programs supported by the organization are 211- a crisis line used by residents who need to be connected with help, The Shack, the Helpful Harvest Food Program, the Family Resource Network and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

So far, the organization has reached about 34-percent of the campaign goal through the work of the pacesetters programs and early events. The pacesetter this year are Clear Mountain Bank, The Dominion Post, Jackson Kelly PLLC, J.S. Walker Associates Realtors, Monongalia County Schools, MVB, and Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC.

“You can give a one-time donation through your workplace campaign or there are ways to give using “Text to Give” or through Venmo,” Alexander said,” If somebody wants to give just $1, $5 or $10 it doesn’t matter we have ways for you to easily be able to give.”

Alexander is very familiar with United Way services and how they can change the trajectory of a life or family in need. She came to Morgantown years ago as single mother and needed the services to provide for her daughter and build her future. Ultimately, Alexander got her college degree, successfully completed law school and now has the ability to support herself and family.

“People like me- they’re everywhere,” Alexander said,” I promise you that everyone has job or lives in this community knows someone who needs help from time to time.”

There are several events approaching for the community to have fun and support the cause. Organizers are working on a dueling bar tender event for November and a variety of other groups and organization are planning activities to support the campaign.

“We have a couple things that are a little top secret at this point,” Alexander said,” A couple things that the Women United Affinity Group has planned that we’ll be rolling out and you’ll see information on social media.

All donations made during the campaign will stay in Monongalia and Preston counties to support many agencies that provide many services to groups that need help.

“There are 39 programs and 26 agencies and you’ll see they are very local and very specific,” Alexander said,” They cover everything from homelessness, legal aid and veteran services.”

For more information go to the United Way of Monongalia and Preston County website or text MOUNTAINS2022 to 41444 to make a donation.