United Way recognizes standouts in local giving campaign

Several local individuals, companies and organizations were recognized with award presentations Tuesday morning by the United Way of the Ohio Valley at the monthly Hancock County Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

The local giving campaign raised more than $70,000, with much of it earmarked for local charitable organizations.

“The needs all across our region never end,” said Paula Yevincy, President/CEO of UWOV. “Fundraising and helping the organization providing assistance is a collaboration, and working together, we are putting the needs of the community first. By coming together as one, we can make huge impacts in our communities.”

Awards presented Tuesday were for fundraising effort in 2021.

Those recognized were:

• President’s Award – Domtar Paper Company, LLC and USW Local 1261 (More than 100 employees) and Hancock County Public Schools Central Office (Less than 100 employees).
• Campaign Chairman’s Award – Domtar Paper Company, LLC and USW Local 1261.
• Community Contribution Award – Century Aluminum and USW Local 9423.
• Community Spirit Award – Domtar Paper Company, LLC and USW Local 1261 and House Insurance Services, LLC.
• Bronze Award –Domtar Paper Company, LLC and USW Local 1261 and House Insurance Services, LLC ($50-$99 per capita).
• Community Champions Certificates – Renae Pierrard, Brandon House, Tina Baize, Sage Petrie Young, and Tamara Clark.
• Community Investment Certificates – Sage Petrie Young and Trina Ogle.

“I am very thankful to be involved with United Way,” said Wade Gaynor, local campaign chairman. “At first, I didn’t believe I had the time to give, but it’s been a wonderful experience. It’s nice that donations can be earmarked to local organizations, and that’s people working every day to make Hancock County a better place. It’s not a hard sell to have a successful campaign when they know their money will stay in the county.”

Jerry Morris, Regional Campaign Chairman, said communities helping others learn that much more can be accomplished through strong bonds.

“We are all stronger together; there truly is strength in numbers,” Morris said. “The needs are increasing, especially after COVID, and I would say to people thinking about contributing, ‘We need you more than ever.’”

Morris said more than 55 charitable agencies in the region were funded in the campaign in 2021.

Additionally, Stephanie Bertram, Director of Resource Development and Marketing, presented two $2,000 Cold Storage Grants to Hancock County Senior Services and Hancock County Help Office. Bertram said 27 grants were awarded throughout the region, which will assist agencies in acquiring equipment needed to store large food donations and deliveries.

Lona Morton, Director of Hancock County Senior Services, said the grant is much-needed, but also that United Way donations to the organization assisted the center in feeding one person in the home-delivery feeding program.

“That may not seem like a lot, but those funds allowed us to stretch other funding to help more people,” Morton said. “This takes the pressure off of other sources of funding and Fiscal Court.”

By C. Josh Givens