United Way gives back
By JULIE GHRIST, staff writerArticle Photos
STEUBENVILLE - Those who continuously support the entire community through making monthly contributions, have once again taken it upon themselves to help others. And this time, it was to benefit thousands of children.
The United Way of Jefferson County has awarded an additional $20,900 to four local youth programs and two area food pantries.
Six recipients were selected to receive the donations from the organization, with representatives and United Way board members gathering Wednesday at Froehlich's Classic Corner to make that connection.
"The funds being distributed today are in addition to the monthly allocation dollars each of our current member agencies are receiving this year," explained Suzanne Kresser, United Way executive director.
Those local youth programs and food pantries receiving the money included the Jefferson Kiwanis Youth Soccer Club, Steubenville Community Inc. (Steubenville Tigers,) Jeffco Workshop, LaBelle Neighbors Who Care, Adena United Methodist Food Pantry and the Wayne Township Food Pantry.
The Jefferson Kiwanis Youth Soccer Club was awarded $14,000 in support of its soccer league which serves nearly 1,000 children from throughout Jefferson County, according to Kresser.
Steubenville Community Inc. received $3,000 from the organization in support of its Tigers football program, with the money to be used to sponsor youth who participate in the program from low-income homes that can not afford the fees.
Jeffco Workshop was given $2,000 to support the TOPS Soccer Program for students who attend the School of Bright Promise. The TOPS program will run in conjunction with the Jefferson Kiwanis Youth Soccer Club.
The LaBelle Neighbors Who Care was given $500 to help with its block festival, held annually in September, for the youth in that community, while the Adena food pantry received $900 from the United Way.
The Wayne Township Food Pantry, located in Bloomingdale, was awarded $500 .
"In 2008, United Way is supporting each and every month 23 different agencies within Jefferson County," Kresser said.
The United Way helps to support organizations which encompass health and mental health issues, productive senior programs, programs for local youth, domestic abuse, sexual assault and child abuse issues and disaster services.
"And, of course, programs that help our local residents with the most basic of needs such as food, shelter and utility assistance," Kresser said.
"These agencies will be able to help and support approximately 13,000 Jefferson County residents through the Ohio Valley this year with United Way funding and support," she stated.
"The additional funds we are proud to distribute today are in addition to our 23 agencies. We are so thankful that we have the resources available to channel additional dollars to other great youth programs here locally and to help other local food pantries. United Way is only able to continue to help because of the success we've had in recent years in raising funds. We want to thank all United Way donors who are making this happen for the local community this year. It is only because of the generosity of so many that we are able to support additional programs and services to local residents this year," Kresser concluded.
The agencies which are supported by the United Way every month throughout the year include: A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, A.L.I.V.E., the American Red Cross Jefferson County Chapter, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Jefferson County, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, the City Rescue Mission, the Community Center for the Deaf, Family Services, Girl Scouts, Goodwill, Information and Referral, the Jefferson County Fourth Street Health Center, the Jefferson County Community Action Council, the Jefferson County Visitation Center, Mingo Social Services, the Neighborhood House, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Smithfield Friends Food Pantry, Toronto Services Committee, the Sexual Assault Help center, WEBA Food Pantry and the YWCA.
For information on the United Way, contact Kresser by phone at (740) 284-9000 or at the United Way office, located at 501 Washington St.
(Ghrist can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.co
