Bridgeport, WV – 12/7/2023 – United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties is thrilled to announce the opening of its gift wrap booth at Meadowbrook Mall. The booth will be open through Christmas Eve, offering the best paper, ribbon, and boxes in the area. All donations received at the booth will support 22 local programs that serve our friends, families, and neighbors.
As a volunteer-driven initiative, the United Way gift wrap booth exemplifies the spirit of community and collaboration. United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties is dedicated to supporting the community like no other organization can, driving positive change at an unprecedented magnitude.
Since 2021, United Way has invested a remarkable $2.5 million to help friends, families, and neighbors in need. This year alone, United Way’s contributions have made a significant impact:
- 238 grandfamilies have received personalized support from social workers, ensuring their well-being and stability.
- 449 homebound seniors have been provided with a nutritious meal each day, combating food insecurity and promoting their overall health.
- 100 veterans received dental services.
- 175 kids in 4-H and at the YMCA received scholarship assistance to participate in camps and youth sports programs.
- 1,500+ children have received comprehensive care, counseling, education, and love, fostering their growth and development.
- 74 children with social, physical, and cognitive disabilities received mental health support through equine therapy.
- 70+ children received tutoring services through United Way’s Education Services Program.
- 400+ abused and sexually assaulted Harrison and Doddridge County children had a community and support network to care for them during the most horrific time of their life.
- 4,500+ adults received primary healthcare services, promoting a healthier community.
- 2,000+ local referrals were made through United Way’s 2-1-1 information hotline service to Harrison and Doddridge County residents, connecting them to vital services to meet their needs.
- Thanks to the United Way’s direct service, The Resilience Collaborative, 49 Harrison County residents, including 8 children, are no longer homeless.
These results demonstrate the tremendous return on investment that United Way and its donors have made in our community, however, United Way of HDC needs more community members and business to join in donating, whether it’s $2 per pay period, with one-time gifts, or corporate donations.
“Beyond meeting immediate needs, United Way programs empower individuals by teaching them how to ultimately achieve self-sufficiency and sustainably,” Brad Riffee, Executive Director of United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, said. “If people are looking to support an organization who is feeding people, clothing people, and teaching them how to live better lives, please call me, because we are providing these exact services and doing so much more.”
Riffee emphasized that every citizen is the face of their organization, and their voices hold significant power. United Way listens to the community and encourages active participation, envisioning a community where collective action can reclaim and revitalize our neighborhoods. He would like to see more citizens get involved and support their cause so they can strengthen this model.
“Our donors and volunteers speak, and we listen,” Riffee continued. “That’s the power of a community driven organization.”
United Way is currently at 40% of their $780,000 goal.
This holiday season, we invite everyone to support United Way’s long-term solutions for our community’s needs by donating to the gift wrap booth at Meadowbrook Mall or by visiting www.unitedwayhdc.org. Your contribution will make a lasting impact and help create a brighter future for all.
For more information and to stay updated on United Way’s initiatives, visit United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties Facebook page, website, or call 304-624-6337