United Way of Forsyth County is dedicated to making the most of every dollar, dime and penny that is given to help others in our community. No matter how big or how small, every donation makes a difference. This year, Forsyth County resident, Sarah Beth Blackmar, made a difference by collecting her change (and some lost from Dad’s pockets) to help others. This young lady collected over $25 and personally delivered her contribution to the United Way office.

Where does your contribution go? Each year, United Way of Forsyth County’s Allocation Committee, a group of community volunteers, dedicates time and energy to attending presentations from each of our agencies concerning their funding requests and how they will utilize the funds provided. Each dollar is carefully allocated to the agencies to ensure dollars are spent with care and efficiency. The goal is to help as many people as possible with the dollars given!

After the allocation process is complete, there is another committee of community volunteers who form our Priority Needs committee. This committee will hear presentations from any non-profit organization that completes a funding application. This year, more than $120,000 was given to organizations through this process.

For the 2006 Priority Needs allocations, United Way of Forsyth County provided funds to groups like Habitat for Humanity, to help purchase land for habitat homes, to the Miracle League, to fund softball scholarships for those in need, to Forsyth County Special Olympics to fund Special Olympics in Cumming. These are just a few -- there were over 30 agencies funding more than 33 programs to help provide health and human services in our growing community.

Thank you for helping us make a difference! It is not too late to give. If you would like to make a donation to support your community, you can do so online or contact the United Way office today, 770-781-4110. As Sarah Beth Blackmar proved, every dollar changes lives.

Source: United Way of Forsyth County e-Letter