United Way increases presence with new partnerships

If you feel like you've seen United Way of Eastern New Mexico everywhere this fall, chances are you have.

The United Way of Eastern New Mexico has strengthen its presence through campaigns in the offices of 40 local employers and community events in Roosevelt and Curry counties.

"It's amazing how a fun angle can make a difference," said United Way Executive Director Erinn Burch about company campaigns. "People tend to give twice as much. It creates a bonding experience (for employees)."

Burch said the nonprofit continues to pump money into local agencies such as The Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico, by enlisting local employers to do payroll deductions in addition to fun and competitive office campaigns.

United Way also did a host of community outreach at community events.

Last year United Way raised about $575,000, which was $5,000 less than their high in the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

"I'm hoping this year we'll do better than last year and get back to an upward trend," Burch said. "I think we're having a great year."

To date, they have raised a little more than $284,000, but Burch said less than half of their data is in.

In November and earlier this month, United Way established United Way Restaurant Days, engaging the community to donate by eating at local restaurants on Wednesdays.

But even with incorporating the community through events, Burch said employer campaigns are vital to their fundraising and employers continue to get creative with how they raise funds.

According to Burch, this year Clovis Community College held a pumpkin pie eating contest and Plains Regional Medical Center held a silent auction.

They'll continue to push their fundraising efforts the rest of this month.

Their final event will take place tonight at the North Plains Mall as they partner with them for Luminaria Night.

The event will feature Grupo Cielo and the Folklario Dancers from La Casita Elementary in Clovis.

United Way will be selling luminarias that can be decorated and personalized to send a Christmas wish and proceeds will go toward Winter Warmth, their campaign that helps to provide heaters for those without heat.

"We do whatever possible to involve the community in the mall events," said North Plains General Manager Cindy Banister. "(United Way) is dedicated to so many different organizations."