Page 33 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – December 2020/January 2021

The United Way movement began in 1887 in Denver in grants to nonprofit organizations on the frontlines
when four clergymen conceived the idea of a united annual fundraising campaign to help large numbers
of people with financial needs. The campaign was successful and the idea of raising money “the United Way” spread nationally and
globally. Today, United Way
continues to bring the community
together to tackle issues that are
larger and more complex than
the capacity of any individual or
single agency to solve alone.
United Way of the Greater Capital Region fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community.
Through data-driven research
like the ALICE report (www.unitedforalice.org/new-york), UWGCR identifies the areas of greatest need in our region and unites donors, volunteers and community organizations in a common mission to strengthen
our community and improve social conditions for our neighbors who struggle, both in times of crisis and all year long.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated existing inequities and created new challenges in health and opportunity in our region and across the country. When the pandemic hit, UWGCR responded immediately, leading an unprecedented philanthropic response in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. The Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund raised and deployed more than $1 million
addressing the emergency needs of our neighbors. Throughout this crisis, there also was a critical need for volunteers to support local agencies that were continuing to provide essential services. UWGCR coordinated 1,300
hours of virtual and in-person volunteer response, including sorting and stocking food pantry shelves, delivering food, prepping and passing out lunches, data management and sending e-cards.
Additionally, 211, a free and confidential community referral service that connects callers with essential resources accommodated a 100% call volume increase from people seeking referrals for basic needs and COVID-19 related concerns.
“Together, we have been able to help many people who were severely impacted by this crisis,
but our recovery work has only just begun,” said Peter Gannon, UWGCR President & CEO. “With your help, we can reimagine a new ‘normal’ with equitable opportunities for our neighbors, and rebuild as a stronger, more resilient Capital Region.”
Community contributions of time and resources help collaboratively build the conditions in which our communities thrive, and help every person equally access the opportunities they need to succeed.
Make a one-time or recurring donation at www.UnitedWayGCR.org/ChangeStartsHere.
Find a local volunteer opportunity that suits your philanthropic interests on UWGCR’s free volunteer portal, www.UnitedToVolunteer.org.
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COMMUNITY BUZZ
Supporting our Community the United Way