Pacesetter companies kick off annual United Way Campaign

Since 1957, individuals and companies have stepped up to plan and coordinate the United Way of Kootenai County annual campaign. Back then, the campaign was called the "United Crusade" and included volunteers going door to door asking for donations. While the basics of fundraising are similar, times have changed with how it's done and what the funds are used for.

At United Way of Kootenai County, our focus is on community impact - making a difference in the community. So the programming, collaboration and funding we provide will only be invested in proven programs which make a difference for years to come. So, we believe when individuals choose to help, it should lead to lasting change. Individual contributions go a long way, but there are more opportunities than just donating, advocacy and volunteering can also make a difference in people's lives. Below are a few ways to give, advocate or volunteer.

GIVE. The generous contributions of individuals help fund local programs and create long term opportunities for our neighbors, and ourselves, to advance the common good. Our corporate partners and their employees share in our mission to improve lives in our community. Pacesetter companies have already started their United Way Campaigns. Company campaign coordinators go out of their way to energize their staff around this giving opportunity with activities and special events for their employees. Pacesetter Company Alliance Data sports a full month's calendar of opportunities to Dunk Your Leadership in a dunk tank, hosts a chili cook-off and bake sale, and has penny wars to see which executive will lip-sync their way into stardom with a pop music favorite. Avista Utilities sells preferred parking passes to employees, has a silent action and Donut Fridays. Many corporate partners offer Casual Jeans Day in exchange for canned goods to support the annual food drive.

However the campaign companies choose to have fun with it, the bottom line is providing the opportunity for employees to have an easy way to give, pre-tax, through payroll deduction. Every dollar makes a difference; a single dollar pre week gives a hungry person an emergency food box. Five dollars per week gives new parents the opportunity to attend classes that will help prepare their 0-5 year old for kindergarten. Fifteen dollars a week gives a month of food, shelter and counseling support for a family in crisis.

ADVOCATE. United Way has a key role to play in advocating for nonprofits in Kootenai County. Without community input, our priorities in advancing education, income and health will risk losing critical government policy and funding support. What issues are you passionate about? Advocating in your community does not simply mean lobbying on a specific piece of legislation. There are many ways that you can advocate. You can create social change in your local community by speaking out. Contact your representative in congress about an education, income, health or nonprofit strengthening issue. Most importantly, be informed. Learn how your community ranks in academic attainment, income stability and health. Use the Kootenai County Indicators link on the United Way of Kootenai County website, a powerful online tool that lets people see for themselves how improving the education level has a positive impact on several key economic and social measures. Once you have the understanding, consider using social media tools to educate your friends and networks about an issue you care about.

Volunteer. Volunteers help United Way provide effective solutions in our community. Our network of resources includes community members, businesses, schools, local government, and nonprofit agencies. The United Way Campaign Kickoff will be held on Wednesday, September 23, followed by the 8th Annual Day of Caring the next day. United Way Campaign Company CEOs are leading the charge, donning overalls and gathering paint brushes for a day filled with service. Each year over 300 business leaders and community members roll up their sleeves and grab their tools to spend the day giving back to our community through the United Way of Kootenai County's Day of Caring. Last year, the call to action saved nonprofit agencies more than $30,000 in labor. Help strengthen our local nonprofits and the community. Plan to join in... roll up your sleeves and volunteer!

Employee Spotlight - Sarah Jelinek, finance and donor services specialist: It is our pleasure at United Way of Kootenai County to introduce the newest member of our team, Sarah Jelinek, finance and donor services specialist. Jelinek joined our outstanding team in May 2015 and jumped right in to prepare for this year's Giving Campaign. Originally from the Denver/Boulder area in Colorado, Jelinek has an extensive marketing and business office finance background. She shared that this position spoke to both sides of her personality, the analytical side, as well as the relationship, softer side. It is her desire to utilize her unique experiences and skills to get to know more people in Kootenai County. Inspired by her grandparents and their guidance on respecting the rights of others and giving back, she shared how important it was to find a position that could honor them and the traits that they had instilled in her.

"I want to be a part of our community," shares Jelinek, "In shaping it and keeping it growing." Beyond the role of financial responsibility, Jelinek states, "I am looking forward to making it easy and fun for our donors to work with United Way of Kootenai County."

When you invest in United Way, you invest in the very best organization for improving conditions in our community. Please join us. Together, we improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Change starts now. Can we count you in?

Volunteer Opportunities - Play with a purpose: Ready! for Kindergarten is a quality informational training program FREE for North Idaho parents. FREE child care is provided on site during the class with a licensed child care provider. Child care helpers are needed to engage children in positive activities and assist with supervision. Classes are held once per month on Saturday mornings in various school district facilities within Kootenai County.

Keep seniors warm: ElderHelp of North Idaho spends its summers splitting and delivering wood for seniors during the long winter months. Volunteers are needed to get a jump start on deliveries by loading, splitting, and delivering wood to senior households.

For more information on how to register, visit www.KootenaiUnitedWay.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, ext. 108.