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United Way launches 09-10 campaign
Food Bank, 18 other Bulloch agencies benefit from donations
Barry Turner Web
Barry Turner
Bulloch County United Way agencies

* American Red Cross
* Area Christians Together in Service
* Boys and Girls Club
* Boy Scouts
* Bulloch Alcohol and Drug Council
* Bulloch Med Connection
* Court Appointed Special Advocates
* Concerted Services
* Council for Exceptional Children
* Food Bank
* Exchange Club Family Skills Center
* Girl Scouts
* Homebound Services
* Library Literacy Services
* Parent to Parent
* Prevent Child Abuse Bulloch
* Safe Haven
* Senior Companion Program
* Whitesville Community Resource Center


    United Way of Southeast Georgia kicked off its 2009-2010 campaign and Barry Turner, executive director for public relations at Ogeechee Technical College, will serve as campaign chair.
    Bob Olliff, executive director of United Way, said 19 agencies would benefit from the fund drive and Turner is optimistic that the community would continue to support the well-respected charitable umbrella that has served the community since 1981. 
    "United Way is a great force in helping agencies which assist deserving citizens,” Turner said. “While there are many worthy organizations locally, and many doing very good work, United Way is the one which benefits such a diverse group of organizations and causes. By working with United Way, and serving as this year's campaign chair, I can do my part in empowering multiple organizations to do great things in our community."
    The Food Bank, a non-profit charitable agency that provides emergency food to those in need, relies heavily on United Way donations.   
“About half of our funding comes from United Way,” said Keith Hickman, Food Bank president.  “We work closely with other United Way agencies who refer people to us and during 2008, 2,452 families were provided food.”
Currently the Food Bank utilizes two part-time managers, board of directors and a group of volunteers to help staff its operation. 
    Elaine McDuffie, head of Youth and Family Services for the Statesboro Regional Library System, also sees United Way’s daily impact on literacy through the Library Literacy services program.  
    “For over 30 years United Way has been here in Bulloch County supporting local children and families,” McDuffie said. “United Way funding has helped provide individual instruction for adults who can’t read, and helped to buy almost 150,000 books for children who otherwise may not get a chance to have a book of their own. Almost everyone in this county has been touched by United Way at some point in their lives, some without even realizing it. During rough times communities have to pull together in order to maximize resources and benefits. That’s what United Way does. The money raised here, stays here to support our families, our friends, and our neighbors.”   
    The United Way Campaign continues during October and November and if residents wish to give, you can send donations to United Way, 515 Denmark St., Statesboro, GA  30458. 
    For more information about United Way’s services or how your organization can conduct a campaign, call 489-8475.
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