The Student Government Association of Surry Community College and the Interact Club of Mount Airy High School is sponsoring the fund drive, “The Power of Change,” to help the local United Fund raise money to reach its goal of $500,000 for the 2008-09 campaign, which wraps up this month.
“It’s a chance for people who haven’t been contacted through work or personal solicitation to help donate,” said Amy Bledsoe, the chair for the 2008-09 campaign. “Everyone has that jar of change on a dresser or in a closet. If they could dump it or get it out of their way, we’ll take anything that people bring.”
Typically, the non-profit organization tries to obtain its campaign goal during a 90-day time frame following Thanksgiving through the New Year, but the slow economy has it struggling to reach the $500,000 mark.
Jim Lewis, the president of the United Fund of Surry board, announced last month that the board will resort to dipping into its reserve fund if it can’t reach $500,000.
“The Power of Change” is the last effort to push for donations for the 2008-09 campaign, Bledsoe said. The non-profit organization, which helps 29 agencies address different needs in the community like hunger, medical and family and youth services, had already reached close to 90 percent of its goal last month.
“We’re doing great, but we’re not quite there,” she said. “This could get us closer.”
Starting today, the SGA at Surry Community College will set up four locations on campus where students and the public can drop off change. The stations will be at the V Building, the H Building, the Cosmetology department and the Knight’s Grill, and SGA members will be there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Danielle Cave, the SGA president at SCC, said the SGA became involved because it is a part of the community, and there are students on campus who will probably benefit from their support of the United Fund.
“The SGA is for the community and the student body, and the drive helps out the community and student body, it was our privilege to do it,” Cave said.
She also said it’s important for people to donate because they’ll never know if they could end up on the receiving end of donations.
“You should be willing to help out because you’ll never you never know when you are going to need the help,” she said.
The Interact Club of Mount Airy High School, which has 26 students, will also collect change at the Mount Airy Rescue Squad, Dobson Rescue Squad and Pilot Mountain Rescue Squad on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The money collected will be counted and then given to the United Fund for this year’s campaign to support the 29 agencies such as Salvation Army, the Children’s Center of Surry, American Red Cross, Yokefellow Co-operative Ministry, Shepherds House and the local rescue squads.
Contact Erin C. Perkins at eperkins@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.
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