Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2024

GIVING BACK
United Way
for Jackson & George
Counties
story by Cherie Ward photos courtesy of United Way for Jackson & George Counties
When the leadership teams at the United Way of Jackson, George, and Greene counties see an unmet need in South Mississippi communities, they roll up their sleeves and fill that deficiency.
And the formula is working, with more than $1 million raised through its annual campaign effort that will now aid 17 community agencies. The fundraiser, which wraps up on December 31, consists of generous donations, payroll deductions, and other campaign efforts. The funds help those in need of financial aid as well as counseling for those seeking a safe refuge.
President and CEO Tee McCovey said it’s all thanks to the gracious community support of Jackson, George, and Greene counties. “Without them, there’s no us,” he said. “Somewhere around 30 or 40 percent of nonprofits closed down during the pandemic because of a lack of funding but we are fortunate and blessed to live in this community with such generosity.”
Earlier this year staff members and volunteers began selling jars of roasted pecans as an added fundraiser that will also help to provide grant funding, gifts-in-kind, nonprofit training, consultation, and other support services to a host of local public and private nonprofit social service agencies.
Founded in 1960, the organization began as a private, not-for-profit institution known as the United Fund. The original charter was inspired by a study that assessed human needs in the community and was sponsored by the then-Pascagoula and Moss Point chambers of commerce. The current Pascagoula-based organization has remained true to its mission over its 64-year history, growing from an agency primarily devoted to fundraising to helping close the gap of the unmet needs in the community.
Visit www.unitedwayjgc.org for more information or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
United Way for Jackson & George Counties funds 19 health and human service agencies with programs in the local community. By giving to United Way, you are helping friends, families and neighbors in our community succeed in life and receive help when they need it most.
United Way for Jackson & George Counties
3510 Magnolia St., Pascagoula 228.762.7662 • www.unitedwayjgc.org
80 | December 2024
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