SEQUIM — Most people have heard of United Way of Clallam County.
But not everyone knows what it does, exactly.
Steve Methner, chairman for this year’s United Way fundraising campaign, is aware of that.
As United Way’s annual campaign kicks off Saturday at the Sequim Food Bank, 244 W. Alder St., Methner wants to stress to people just how much is riding on its success.
“United Way is all around us,” Methner said Thursday.
“It serves as an economic base for most human service agencies in the county.”
25 agencies funded
United Way funds 25 agencies countywide from Clallam Bay to Sequim, Methner said.
These include the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, The Salvation Army, West End Youth and Community Club and Serenity House.
“I feel strongly about not letting these people down,” Methner said.
“That’s why this year I’m looking forward to adding as many new potential donors to the family as we can.”
Last year, United Way raised $900,000.
$1 million goal
This year, the fundraising goal has been upped to $1 million.
The launching of the campaign, which lasts through December, will happen in tandem with Saturday’s Day of Caring event at the Sequim Food Bank, said Cheryl Baumann, executive director of United Way.
Sequim area residents are invited to what Baumann bills as an “extreme makeover” of the food bank.
Volunteers and contractors will donate their skills to do roofing, painting, plumbing, landscaping and other jobs.
Lee Lawrence of Sequim will be co-chairing the event, which starts at 8 a.m.