Jan. 22, 2010 – On a crisp fall morning in September, United Way volunteers and leadership set a goal to engage the community to LIVE UNITED.  Despite the challenges of an uncertain economy, the community came together to Give, Advocate and Volunteer.

Giving.

• Christmas Bureau registered 2900 households in crisis – more than ever before – every single person was adopted and monetary donations increased by nearly 200 percent.
• Workplace campaign giving totals topped out at nearly $5.6 million dollars despite hiring freezes, layoffs and cut backs unlike any in recent history.
• United Way participated in the first ever Hockey United event with the Topeka Roadrunners raising dollars on our behalf and launched a PT’s Coffee Blend where a portion of the proceeds benefit the community.

Advocating.

• United Way’s Early Learning Action Team produced and released a free parents’ video series showcasing how parents can engage and stimulate a growing child’s brain.
• United Way led the charge to challenge national leaders and pass legislation funding 2-1-1 informational call centers nationwide.
• Locally, United Way partnered with a community effort to count and therefore advocate on behalf of every single homeless person in our community.

 Volunteering.

• The Nancy Perry Day of Caring event brought together over 1200 volunteers completing 80 projects across the community which, along with the Spring Day of Caring equated to over $120,000 of value in service hours to the community.
• United Way launched the Youth Volunteer Corps program with notable success engaging students across the city, particularly in Highland Park High School with monthly meetings and coordinated volunteer activities.
• Topeka ranked on a national level, coming in fifth in volunteerism in the nation according to a study released by the Corporation for National & Community Service.

“Every day, I am inspired by the generosity of those who live and work in this community,” said Miriam Krehbiel, president/CEO, United Way of Greater Topeka.  “It is because of a community coming together we can create lasting impact and opportunities.”

Volunteer leaders of the 2009 campaign included Jim Ogle, campaign chair and general manager of WIBW-TV; Susan Duffy, campaign co-chair and Kansas Corporation Commission executive director; and Secretary Don Jordan, state campaign coordinator and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services.

Every resource entrusted to United Way is carefully managed by its staff and community volunteers.  Each year, hundreds of volunteers invest into the community through United Way.  These community investments focus on advancing the common good and creating opportunities for all through Education, Income and Health.

 For more information, contact:
Jamie Hornbaker, Director of Communications
T:  785.228.5117  |  E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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