KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE – The United Way of Greater Kingsport (UWGK) has raised $3.18 million to date, 88% of its $3.6 million campaign goal. The theme for this year’s campaign continues to be “Drive and Inspire Community Change,” but UWGK has added in a new brand credo: “United We Fight, United We Win.” In addition to highlighting the positive change that can happen when UWGK mobilizes the caring power of the community, this new credo underscores UWGK’s active role in fighting community problems such as children not reading at grade level, families in poverty, access to healthcare, and the opioid crisis. When the community joins UWGK by giving, advocating, and volunteering, we WIN by improving lives, our community, and our region.
United Way of Greater Kingsport fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community by supporting thirty nonprofit member agencies, forty-four programs, and four major community impact initiatives: United WE READ, Life BRIDGE, Appalachian Miles for Smiles, and a new Drug Abuse Task Force that is tacking the opioid epidemic in the region through education, prevention, and intervention. The dollars raised by UWGK stay in the Greater Kingsport community to improve the lives of local families, friends, and neighbors. “Doing more than what any individual could do alone, UWGK takes a holistic view and has developed a total community strategy that funds specific initiatives addressing root-cause needs. These initiatives have measurable objectives with accountability for results,” said Bill Trapp, Director of Technology at Eastman and 2017 Campaign Chair. “You can be assured your money stays local, is well-spent, meets immediate needs, and also solves root-cause issues…creating lasting change.”
With the campaign celebration scheduled for November 28, UWGK is counting on the generous support of the community to reach the $3.6 million goal. When donors contribute to the United Way of Greater Kingsport, they are improving the lives of 1400 local people every day: 700 children and youth; 100 people seeking jobs, skills, and shelter; 300 people find health, safety, and stability; and 300 seniors to stay in their homes. A campaign video and four video vignettes featuring stories of some of the many people helped every day can be found at the United Way of Greater Kingsport website, www.uwaykpt.org, under “Campaign.” United Way of Greater Kingsport invites the community to join the fight!
Individuals, companies, or organizations interested in learning more about United Way’s work or investing in the community through UWGK are encouraged to visit UWayKPT.org. Contributions may also be made directly to the organization by texting UWAYKPT to 91999 or mailing a check to UWGK, 301 Louis Street, Suite 201, Kingsport, TN 37660. Inquiries may be made by calling (423) 378-3409, ext. 16.