Thermometers placed in Greencastle to track county United Way campaign

Julie Tarquino from First National Bank of Greencastle places a thermometer with help from OSI workers and coaches.

Just a month into the official campaign, United Way of Franklin County has already raised over $200,000 or 30 percent of its $750,000 goal, and now Greencastle-Antrim residents can keep an eye on the progress of the fund-raising effort.

Thermometers showing how well the current campaign is doing is now in front of First National Bank of Greencastle on the square as well as in front of Manitowac on Route 16 in Shady Grove.

United Way has a goal of raising $750,000 to support its 26 member agencies, which support residents in all of Franklin County, with programs from those strengthening families and investing in our children, to building self-sufficiency, caring for people in crisis and improving health and wellness.

Employees of Occupational Services Inc. built and painted each thermometer in support of this year's United Way campaign.

"OSI always enjoys the opportunity to assist the United Way in various projects. The United Way benefits virtually everyone in Franklin County. Giving back to them is another way that we can give back to this community.", said Michael Jamison, Director of OSI, Inc.

"OSI has been with United Way as a member agency for many years and has helped throughout their years to collate materials and prepare packets for the campaigns," explained Amy Hicks, executive director of the United Way of Franklin County. "United Way is one organization that has benefited from OSI clients who for years, have been placed throughout Franklin County into meaningful job opportunities."

The campaign

Also helping this year were various local businesses which provided the tools needed to make the thermometers: Bentley World Packaging, wood; Wal- Mart of Chambersburg, paint and brushes; and Manitowoc Crane, Paint Templates.

Through its single community wide campaign, United Way brings together a large network of volunteers to work in partnership with 26 non-profit agencies that meet the health and human care needs of people throughout the community.

"Our goal is a significant increase this year as we strive to meet the needs in the community." said Amy Hicks, executive director of the United Way of Franklin County. "Right now, professionals from throughout the community are making contact with business people to reach as many individuals as they can,"

Also this year a new residential program has members of Boy Scouts of America, Keystone and Mason Dixon Council, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, YMCA Achievers, Boys and Girls Clubs and ARC, go into neighborhoods in and around the county dropping off 30,000 packets with information about how to access United Way programs and how to support the community wide campaign. This effort will begin during the next week and continue into November, as those who are part of United Way programs participate in this major outreach and awareness effort. Packets will be delivered in towns and neighborhoods throughout the county.

The packets include not only a brochure about the United Way Campaign, but also information about various agencies, the work they can do, and how to contact them for help or information.

"United Way conducts one campaign," noted Hicks, "that allows your single gift to combine with others to impact programs throughout the community. You may also direct your gift through United Way to a nonprofit agency of your choice."

Hicks invites residents of the community to join with the United Way to help their community and those in need.

For more information about United Way and how to donate or volunteer, call 262-0015.