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The Schuylkill United Way knows that you really want to make a difference in our communities.

With over 30 years of experience behind us, we've learned that the best way to help the most people is to bring people from every community and every neighborhood together to tackle the issues that matter the most to all of us.

It's that overwhelming commitment to bettering the lives of each other that makes us such a strong community to live and work in. Together, we've reached so many milestones.

We've helped Avenues start two new businesses, establish an exercise program for their clients and empower over 700 consumers to be productive citizens.

We've helped Schuylkill Women in Crisis break ground for a new shelter that will help provide over 4,000 days of shelter annually and open a new business that will support women who are starting over.

This year, the United Way is facing one of its most challenging and exciting milestones yet. We've set our 2009 goal at $1.05 million and we're counting on all of our community partners to help us reach that new milestone for the entire county. We're asking every business, every industry, every family and friend to rise to the next level with us to reach our goal, because there are so many people who rely on the support from our 16 member agencies. Remember that every penny raised in Schuylkill County stays in Schuylkill County, so when you give to the Schuylkill United Way, your money goes far, but not far away.

Your contribution to the Schuylkill United Way will improve individual lives and enhance our entire community by helping children thrive, neighborhoods become vibrant, and people of all ages remain healthy and self-sufficient. We know that together, We are . . . Community Strong!

Thank you for your generosity.

Donate Online For your convenience, you are invited to complete the easy-to-use online donation form.				Donate by Mail Alternatively, you may choose to print out and mail back our 2008 Campaign Brochure and Pledge Form (PDF).

Pacesetters Members of the Pacesetters Club are individuals from throughout the county who contribute a minimum of $500 to the campaign. Levels of giving range from Bronze through Platinum depending on contribution amount. Pacesetters Chairman Jay Jones, who co-chairs the club with Bob Weaver, said the Pacesetters members are a special group of people to the United Way campaign and its organizers because of their commitment every year. "Each year, we ask these people to help us kick start our campaign the right way by contributing early, and every year they come through for us," Jones said. "They are very special friends to us and to the people who are helped by their generosity." Club Co-Chairmen Jay Jones and Bob Weaver said the overwhelming and early response from their fellow members is not surprising since the club members are typically responsible for setting the pace for the entire campaign. “We always start our campaign early through our Pacesetters Club because we know that we can count on them every year to generously support our campaign,” Jones said. “That usually sets the momentum for the rest of the campaign that gets started in September.” Over 64 Pacesetters Club members have already returned their pledges for nearly $77,000, which is especially important this year because the campaign goal is set for $1 million, according to Weaver. “We’re counting on not only our Pacesetters this year, but everyone involved in the campaign to join together and raise their contributions to the next level just as we raised our campaign to the next level,” Weaver said. “The hearts of the people in this area are so big that we know they’ll come through for us and help us raise much-needed funds for our neighbors right here in Schuylkill County.” Each year, the Schuylkill United Way Pacesetters Club plays a large part in reaching the imposing goal, which increases every year according to need. Last year, club members accounted for 28 percent of the goal, raising nearly $245,000 through individual contributions from the 304 members. United Way Executive Director Kelly K. Malone said that while this loyal support from the club shouldn’t be surprising after 14 years, she is still moved each time those early envelopes arrive on her desk. “The Pacesetters Club has a special place in our hearts because they so generously give us their unwavering support every year,” Malone said. “But what they may not realize is that so often they are the inspiration to others through their kindness and generosity.” Malone said club membership has increased steadily each year as evidenced by the success of the award-winning Pacesetters Club reception held each year to thank the club members. This year’s reception will be held at the Penn State Schuylkill campus as homage to the 2008 campaign chairman, Dr. R. Keith Hillkirk, chancellor. This year the Pacesetters Club reception is wholly underwritten by PPL Corporation. Thank you. Headquartered in Allentown, PPL manages more than 11,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and delivers electricity to about 4 million customers in Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.				Leave a Legacy The single most important thing anyone can do for their families is to ensure their future. That is why the Schuylkill United Way encourages you to Leave a Legacy through your will or other charitable gift arrangement so we can make sure that any need a member of your family may have now or in the future is met. Your Legacy can support the services of the 16 member agencies of the Schuylkill United Way through a special Endowment Fund that has been established through the Schuylkill Area Community Foundation. That fund makes it easier to include charitable gifts in your estate tax or financial planning. It will benefit thousands of people served by the United Way family of agencies, from victims of fire to senior citizens to women in crisis. These organizations need financial assistance from people like you in order to continue important services. If you are interested in leaving a gift to the Schuylkill United Way, whether it's in the form of a will, a life insurance policy, or other financial investment, the United Way is there to help you through. Please call our office and we can help with advice and referrals. Our partnership with you makes it all possible. Together, young and old are rediscovering what they can accomplish... and we're all benefiting.