JAY – United Way was on site for the big ‘reveal’ as several dozen Verso employees gathered in their conference room to announce the final number for this years United Way workplace Campaign.
Each year Verso and its employees are avid supporters of United Way, with over 50 percent of the employees choosing to contribute to United Way through payroll deduction. This year, the campaign team, led by Doug DiPasquale, at Verso set two major goals: to increase participation AND the total: from 50 percent participation and a total contribution of $70,000 to at least 60 percent participation and $85,000. The large check was unrolled slowly to draw out the dramatic affect and cheers were loud and long when the $100,000 total was visible. Verso exceeded both goals, boasting a participation rate of 65 percent this year. 133 of the 343 contributing employees were first time donors.
This year the planning committee worked hard to offer unique incentives for the drawings, ranging from front row parking spots, to professional sports tickets (Bruins, Patriots, Celtics), to local gift certificates. Another approach this year was to ‘bring United Way to the employees’ rather than have the employees come to United Way (traditionally a resource fair or larger-scale meeting before or after 12-hour shifts). This required over 40 meetings out on the mill floor where United Way staff, led by Kendra Baker, were escorted by Safety Specialists Laurence ‘Chickie’ Chicoine or Brian Benson to meet with employees, thank them, and share valuable information about things United Way does in the community.
Contributions from workplace campaigns support programs offered in the community like Meals on Wheels, housing/shelter, food, heating assistance, and Literacy Volunteers, to name a few. Contributions also help support initiatives coordinated by the United Way like Packs for Progress (backpacks and supplies provided to area children who need it) and the Community Energy Challenge where custom-made interior windows are made in community workshops to help save energy costs. Children have access to camps and recreational opportunities or therapeutic services through the Hope Fund. Special Projects funding for organizations like Maine Adaptive Outdoor education center and Mallett School are also made possible through the support of generous donors.
For more information about United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, please call 778-5048, visit them at 218 Fairbanks Road, Farmington, visit www.uwtva.org or them check out on Facebook, www.facebook.com/uwtva
Good for you!. It’s always a good thing when people are able to make an ongoing commitment to helping their fellow citizens.
As always, Verso employees go the extra mile! I am proud to be an employee.
Verso steps up year after year. It’s already very impressive