United Way Kicks Off Their 2024-2025 Campaign With $665,000 Goal.
Join United Way’s Annual Campaign to meet community needs.
The Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) kicks off its 2024-25 Campaign with a goal to raise $665,000. This year’s theme is Unite and Ignite.
“Imagine a community where everyone feels connected, empowered, and inspired,” said Danielle Velkoff, Senior Director of Marketing and Communication. “That's the vision behind Unite and Ignite. This campaign theme encourages individuals to come together and harness the collective power of their community to make a positive impact.”
Last year’s campaign raised $648,867, surpassing their $550,000 goal. $56,000 went to other service areas, leaving $592,867 to advance the United Way mission and provide for their 56 funded partners.
“We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs,” said Adrienne Mael, President and CEO of Susquehanna Valley United Way. “Our reach across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve the lives of every person right here at home.
This year’s campaign will focus on the local ALICE population. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and represents households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living.
On average, 28% of households in Pennsylvania are ALICE. Households move above or below the ALICE Threshold as economic factors and circumstances change. Recent data shows that while wages may have increased, so too has the cost of household essentials.
“Our local statistics are shocking,” said Steve Keifer, SVUW board member and retired Danville Area School District superintendent. “Two out of every five households in our area are ALICE. I was startled to see the percentage of our friends and neighbors struggling to make ends meet.”
In Columbia County, 47% of households fall below the ALICE Threshold. In Montour County – 39%. Northumberland County – 43%. Snyder County – 45%. Union County – 46%. The ALICE Threshold is derived from the Household Survival Budget, which is the minimum cost for household necessities like housing, food, childcare, transportation, etc., plus taxes and the minimum average income needed to afford basic costs.
“ALICE Families are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent — choices that have long-term consequences not only for their families but for the community at large,” said Christine Orlando, Director of Community Impact.
"Together with our community and funded partners, we support residents in the areas of food security, housing, after-school programming, childcare, and more. These partnerships also build innovative solutions such as the Revolving Car Loan, free VITA Tax Services, and mobile maker space programs that improve and enhance the quality of life for all."
As part of its annual campaign, Susquehanna Valley United Way raises money for 56 nonprofit partners across its five-county footprint. Each year, residents receive assistance through SVUW and its funded partners, underscoring the vital role that SVUW plays in the local community and highlighting the need for widespread community support.
The bulk of the fundraising happens between now and the end of February. The campaign cycle will conclude on March 31st, 2025, and is supplemented by their annual Day of Giving, a 24-hour virtual fundraising event on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
United Way staff and special guests will host Livestreams at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM that highlight the good work United Way and its funded partners are doing to address the current needs in our community. Special giveaways and sweepstake opportunities will be available for those who tune in and donate!
“Your donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to an unprecedented $8,000,” said Velkoff. “Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (csiu.org), Fulton Bank (fultonbank.com), Service 1st Federal Credit Union (service1.org), and Weis Markets, Inc (weismarkets.com), donors can double their impact, and we can create a brighter future for every person in our community!” Visit svuw.org/dayofgiving to learn more and to join the livestreams on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
A neon glow party will kick off this annual fundraising event on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 5:30 PM at The Frost Valley Resort, 1301 Bloom Road in Danville, in The Iron Fork Restaurant. Community members are encouraged to wear their brightest neon gear and come ready to Unite for the community and Ignite a brighter future together. RSVP by October 10, 2024, at svuw.org/unite-ignite.
“By joining us to Unite and Ignite, you're not just donating money; you're becoming a force for positive change,” said Mael. “Your contribution will directly support local initiatives tackling pressing community needs. Together, we can create a brighter future for all!”
If you want to contribute to SVUW’s annual campaign, you can learn more or donate at svuw.org or text ‘PARTNER4IMPACT” to 41444. You can also send a check or money order to PO Box 559, Sunbury, PA 17801.
Media Contact:
Danielle M. Velkoff
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
e: marketing@svuw.org | t: (570) 360-5009
