Support the United Way

Dear Friends of United Way:

By now most of you have received our 2007-08 Campaign letter asking for your continued support for this year’s campaign. For some—it may seem as just another request for a donation in support of another good cause, but for those who benefit from the services that the United Way member agencies provide—it is a lifeline of support.

United Way of St. Thomas-St. John was formed in 1978 as a revision to the former Community Chest organization, which served the community well from the mid nineteen thirties to the late seventies. Now an affiliate of United Way International, with its high standards and accountability, our organization started with its first campaign goal of $40,000 dollars in 1978-79. Annual campaign goals have increased over the years and currently $800,000 dollars is the campaign goal for 2007-08.

Over the last 28 campaigns, $12 million dollars has been raised and grants totaling more than $8 million dollars have benefited over 75 programs provided by community-based organizations. The United Way of St. Thomas-St-John is a volunteer driven organization. Working with a very small staff, we allocate 80 cents of every dollar back into the community through our thirteen member agencies.

The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John member agencies are Dial-A-Ride St. John, Dial-A-Ride St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Council Inc., Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Civil Air Patrol, V.I. Institute for Teaching and Learning, Inc., Lutheran Reformation Church Summer Program, Ebenezer Gardens, St. Thomas Reformed Church Summer Program, Habitat for Humanity of the Virgin Islands, Yellow Cedar Group Home and Legal Services of the Virgin Islands.

Now you know the “rest of the story” to quote Paul Harvey, who so eloquently ended all his news broadcasts with this famous line. That small donation card and letter you received in the mail, asking for your financial support, is just the beginning of the story for the many community members supported by United Way of St. Thomas-St. John.

So please, give and give generously!
To become a volunteer, please contact me at 340-693-8069 or 340-690-1260.

 
Andrew Rutnik