At a time when many local charities are struggling to make ends meet — and especially considering the fact that the GM Lordstown plant closed nearly a year ago — the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley found a way not only to meet, but to surpass its campaign goals, the agency announced recently.

It did so by using vision, hard work and by building on its strong history.

The agency not only exceeded its $3 million 2019 Centennial Campaign goal by more than $450,000, but it set a new campaign fundraising record, breaking the old record of $3,352,973 that was set 28 years ago. It should be extremely proud!

Volunteerism and initiatives also are on the rise at the United Way, and according to local agency leaders, in 2019, 1,800 people volunteered in the community. They participated in the annual Day of Caring, mentoring programs, tutoring programs, food pantries, Women United and Success After 6 after-school classroom projects.

The agency funds 51 programs run by 35 nonprofit agencies that work in education and emergency services.

Projects like that make a significant impact on the area, and in fact, it’s that work that helps to drive more donations, Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, said recently.

“Once people see firsthand the work we are doing, they are more likely to give financially. We appreciate the time our volunteers give on a daily or weekly basis, and are thankful when they turn into donors,” Hannon said.

The organization has been doing this type of deep-rooted good work in the Valley for 100 years. It has come a long way since that first fundraising campaign that raised $328,234 in 1919.

And now, as the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley looks to the future, we are certain the agency’s good work will continue — but only with the public’s enduring support.

Congratulations to Bob Hannon, all the staff, board members, volunteers and to the agency overall for the wonderful work, for reaching and surpassing your goal and on your centennial celebration.

We look forward to your strong future in the years to come!

editorial@tribtoday.com

SCRIPTURE

Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

1 Peter 1:3C-4 NLT