The kindness of Barry County residents is felt all year long for the programs and agencies that are funded through the Barry County United Way campaign. Currently, the campaign stands at $416,859.93 or 69 percent of the $600,000 goal, Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes said.

 

“We are very excited by where we are at today,” Campaign Chairperson Matt Goebel said.

“With many campaigns yet to come in we are very hopeful to hit our goal of funding a large portion, if not all, of the dollars that the agencies requested this year through the allocations process. Barry County donors are simply amazing.”

 

“So far in 2016, Barry County United Way has funded 34 programs through 21 agencies services totaling $679,003.90. State and federal grants are sought on top of the campaign that have provided $190,173.31 in utility assistance, $32,032.40 in housing assistance and $52,133.95 in emergency funding for a total provided in the community totaling $953,343.56. All of these dollars are used within our county,” Forbes said.

 

The Toys for Barry County Kids Program has been ongoing this week, and has served 382 children. Families can still contact our office to determine eligibility through Friday, Dec. 23.

 

United Way partners were accessed 79,609 times last year. The gifts made a difference toward 4-H (1,167 kids), substance abuse (accessed 4,597 times), Green Gables (accessed 120 times for women and children), along with the Food Bank (31, 433) /Fresh Food Initiative (25,525), to name just a few of the many programs impacted.

 

Barry County United Way is able to apply 100 percent of gifts directly to programs and services thanks to the Florence Tyden Groos Administrative Endowment Fund held by the Barry Community Foundation. Those interested in helping reach the $600,000 goal, are asked to contact the BCUW office at 269-945-4010. Giving is also available on line at www.bcunitedway.org.