By Staff
NILES – The United Way of Greater Niles has announced the pending distribution of 60,000 student designed promotional placemats to Niles area restaurants. More than a dozen local restaurants have agreed to use the placemats for a few weeks to help raise awareness and hopefully increase giving during the current fundraising campaign for local charities.
"We are very pleased the students took on this project to help promote giving to local charities" said United Way executive director John Stauffer.
"I hope it will also help remind everyone that we need their donations – no matter the size – because there are many, many folks in our community that need some assistance."
For example, "A large portion of United Way dollars goes to fund programs to help the needy avoid eviction and utility shut offs during the winter months," Stauffer added.
The placemat was designed by Ricky Jurgonski and the Niles High School Graphic Arts Club. The endeavor was led by Niles High School graphic arts teacher Alyse Hoyt, and the design project took place during the last school year.
Both the Hunter and Plym Foundation have informed the United Way of Greater Niles that they will provide $5,000 each to "match new contributions" to this year's charity fundraising campaign. The matching grants to the United Way will be awarded only if the campaign fundraising goal of $255,000 is reached.
"We hope this incentive will stimulate additional giving to the United Way" said executive director John Stauffer.
"This year the needs are greater than ever in our community. With layoffs and a slow economy we are asking everyone who is able to make a donation to please do so. Pledges made during the fundraising campaign may be paid off during the following year" said Stauffer.
A pledge envelope is being mailed to every address in the 49120 Zip code area next week. The United Way is asking donors to indicate 'new donor' on their pledge card or donation check to help secure the matching grants. Workplace campaigns are on-going and the United Way is asking that any business that is not a current participant to contact the United Way to set up a simple plan.
The United Way also announced that a general mailing to the entire community will take place in a few weeks to provide a way for everyone to support the campaign. This year's goal is $255,000 and everyone is encouraged to give whatever amount they can – directly or where they work.
Donations may be sent by mail to the United Way at P.O. 375, Niles, MI 49120 or made online with major credit cards at http://www.unitedewayniles.org. Donations are used to help fund local non-profit agencies that provide services in the greater Niles area. More than $11 million has been raised for local charities by the United Way of Greater Niles since its founding in 1953.
United Way of Greater Niles' Charities:
American Red Cross
Child &Family Services
Niles-Buchanan YMCA
Berrien County Council for Children
Berrien County Cancer Service
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien &Cass
Volunteer Center
Safe Shelter
Christian Service Center
Salvation Army
Samaritan Counseling Center
"Fresh Start" Program
Boy Scouts of America, LaSalle Council
Northside Childcare Center
Girl Scouts of Singing Sands Council