United Way of Missoula Responds to Smurfit-Stone Closure and the Employees Respond to United Way 40,000 Ways!

Jobless Frenchtown millworkers donate $40,000 from their Helping Hands fund to United Way

Susan Hay Patrick, the chief executive officer of United Way in Missoula, cried over an e-mail Thursday morning.

Thirty years of fundraising for nonprofits, yet never a tear over an e-mail.

Then came the message from Pat Clevenger, materials manager at Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. and a member of United Way’s board.

Here is what it said: "The SSCC employees have a charitable fund, called Helping Hands, that most of us contribute to and is used to help fellow employees in times of need. Over the years, this fund has helped many employees with financial needs for serious illnesses and injuries. This fund is managed by a group of employees acting as the board of directors. This morning the board voted on how the final funds should be dispersed. I have been asked to inform you that the board has decided to forward all remaining funds to Missoula United Way. Funds available will be $35,000-$40,000 and available in March for disbursement. Merry Christmas!"

By MICHAEL MOORE of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/news/local/article_50a2c5f8-eb69-11de-b347-001cc4c03286.html

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Dear Friends & Supporters:

During this holiday season, more and more of our neighbors are depending on the kind of assistance that United Way of Missoula County has helped provide for almost 80 years. One gift to United Way touches thousands of lives. Please help us reach our $1 million goal and maintain support of 32 critical health and human service programs as they struggle to meet growing demands for their services.

A gift to United Way of Missoula County has wide-reaching and long-lasting impact. This is especially true in a tough economy. Through the outstanding work of our partner programs right here in Missoula, your single donation puts food on the tables of hungry families and homebound seniors; provides preventive screenings and health care to those who would otherwise go without; supports high-quality child care, mentorship and tutoring programs for kids; safely shelters women and children fleeing domestic violence — and the list goes on. United Way’s close partnership with the programs we support, and our careful monitoring of their progress, offers donors the assurance that contributions are spent wisely and well.

Our community is relying on all of us, working together, to inspire hope and provide opportunities for all in Missoula County.

It is our ultimate wish that everyone in our community will have a safe and happy holiday season and hopeful new year. Please help United Way of Missoula County provide tangible help and a beacon of hope to our neighbors in need.

With gratitude,

Susan Hay Patrick – Chief Executive Officer

Frank D’Angelo, DA Davidson & Co. – 2009 Campaign Chair

http://www.uwmc.montana.com/news.html