United Way of Southeast Mississippi (UWSEMS) kicked off its annual fundraising campaign on Friday, September 15 with a Day of Caring. The day began at The Arc Southeast Mississippi, with a Pep Rally breakfast sponsored by Rozier Construction with Jerry DeFatta,Jr., this year’s UWSEMS campaign chair, serving as the emcee.
During the kickoff, volunteers enjoyed breakfast and fellowship as well as being entertained by members of The Arc Showstoppers and visited by Southern Miss Mascot Seymour.
Following the kickoff event, volunteers traveled to their assigned projects for a day of giving back to the community. Activities took place at The Arc, The Children’s Center for Communication, Christian Services, Edwards Street Food Pantry and Thrift Store, the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter and United Way’s Born Learning Trail at Optimist Park. Volunteer projects included yard work, painting projects, helping sort food and organizing donations at thrift stores and office work.
“ This year’s workplace campaign theme is “Change Happens Here” because whether it’s through volunteerism, our strong nonprofit agencies or United Way initiatives, change is happening in our communities” said Tracie Fowler, CEO of United Way of Southeast Mississippi. “ Every Dollar donated to United Way and every hour spent volunteering makes a difference in people’s lives.”
The 2023-24 United Way Workplace campaign runs through November 17, 2023. For more information contact Ali Rogers, UWSEMS Resource Development Manager at 601-475-0183 or ali@unitedwaysems.org.
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About United Way of Southeast Mississippi
For more than 80 years, United Way of Southeast Mississippi has mobilized the caring power of the community by connecting people with needs to the resources available to meet those needs for the purpose of creating positive change.