Contributed by United Way
The United Way of Lee County is introducing a new community giving day called Lead the Way Wednesday, where donations made from the community on Wednesday, Nov. 10, will be matched up to $11,500 by local businesses.
Lead the Way Wednesday is a big push by the United Way to reach its annual goal in the closing months of this year’s fundraising campaign. This year’s campaign goal is $925,000. The United Way hopes to raise $23,000 through this new initiative to help people of Lee County.
“Some people may feel like since they can only give a small amount, it won’t make a difference, and so they don’t give. I’m here to tell you that it all makes a difference — $5, $10, whatever you have to give,” said Leigh Krehling, this year’s campaign chair for United Way. “It takes thousands of people coming together and giving what they can to help their neighbors and their community, and Lead the Way Wednesday is a great time to do that.”
Money raised goes to support the work of 25 nonprofits in Lee County that help people in the area who are in any number of situations where they need a little extra help. Local businesses have stepped up to support the community giving day, pledging their own donations to United Way should the Lead the Way Wednesday goal be met.
Involved in this event so far are Annie Williams of Berkshire Hathaway, Sign Essentials, Auburn Therapy and Learning Center, Kathy Powell State Farm, AuburnBank, Eye Center South, Here Molly Girl, Kelly Wilson with Edward Jones, Rabren General Contractors, Franklin Tire Auto, University ACE Hardware and the United Way of Lee County Board of Directors.
Businesses interested in getting involved can reach out to campaign manager Kimberly Myers at kimberly@unitedwayofleecounty.com.
“We are so grateful for the support of our local business community. Without them we couldn’t introduce this exciting new way for individuals to get involved in what we do,” Myers said. “Fundraising has been tough during the pandemic, and the needs of children and families in our community have only increased during the past year. We hope Lead the Way Wednesday will give us the boost we need to meet our goal and further the good work of our local agencies.”
Donations can be made to United Way through Venmo @UnitedWayofLeeCountyAL or by visiting unitedwayofleecounty.com and clicking “Donate.”