United Way of Clallam County has a goal of $1 million for its 62nd annual fund drive.
The drive began Sept. 6 with $70,000 raised toward the goal, said Director Jody Moss.
In 2013, United Way raised $881,418 for 24 partner agencies and four Community Solutions Initiatives.
The campaign chairwoman this year is Lisa Meyer, vice president and branch manager of U.S. Bank in Port Angeles.
“This year, we are focusing on partnerships and working together to make our county thrive,” Meyer said.
United Way officials plan strategic investments in three areas:
■ Education — Preparing more children for school, encouraging students to pursue additional education and be ready to enter the workforce.
■ Income — Strengthening family financial stability.
■ Health — Identifying and implementing ways to help people lead long, healthy lives.
Day of Caring
The kickoff Day of Caring event brought out 140 volunteers at nine sites across the county who together donated 560 hours of volunteer service valued at more than $12,000.
Volunteers also worked Sept. 14 at Gerhardt Park in Sequim.
More work parties will be formed at later dates, as yet unscheduled, in Port Angeles, Forks and Clallam Bay.
Soon, many United Way volunteers will be wearing their Live United T-shirts and asking their peers and community members to invest in United Way programs.
Campaign chairs
Tammy Rux, branch manager of Sequim Wells Fargo, will chair the Sequim campaign with the assistance of Paul McHugh, a retired Realtor.
Julie Black and Rich Newman are co-chairing the Olympic Medical Center Employees Combined Fund Drive.
Iva Burks and Patty Rosand will lead the Clallam County employee effort.
Port Angeles business campaigns and corporate gifts will be guided by Corey Delikat, Port Angeles Parks and Recreations director.
The Port Angeles campaign will be led by Jo Johnston, Green Crow. Grant Munro is chairing the Olympic Club leadership-giving portion of the campaign.
In other Clallam County areas, Pam Hunter, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, is championing the Forks campaign; Trisha Haggerty, Crescent School Board member and Peninsula College administrative staff, will lead the Joyce campaign; and George Eastman will guide the Clallam Bay/Sekiu drive.
A new partner agency, just accepted this year, is the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic.
In 2014, United Way granted $95,800 to Great Beginnings Early Learning projects.
For information about this year’s campaign or how to get involved, phone Moss or Scott Brandon of United Way at 360-457-3011.
