12/30/13 One of the most important volunteer opportunities of the year is set to begin soon at the United Way of Marshall County. Each year United Way works closely with Allocations Committee volunteers and partner agencies to ensure that generous donations from thousands of donors are carefully and thoughtfully put to good use to help the most people.

United Way funding in 2013 supported 22 members agencies providing services that met education, health and financial stability needs in the community. This year 26 organizations have applied for funding. Allocations Committee volunteers review applications, financial statements, and proposed programs and services and conduct agency visits. These volunteers during a 2-month process serve as the eyes and ears of the donors to ensure that funds are distributed fairly, objectively and with great consideration for their best use.

An important factor for those that serve on the Allocations Committee is seeing the impact the United Way has on boosting the quality of life in Marshall County. Through an interview process, volunteers look for on-going efforts that change lives, and change the community. During this process, organizations are asked to show real outcomes on where their program(s) have made a difference.

For over 50 years, the United Way of Marshall County has continuously conducted annual fundraising campaigns in support of local health and human service nonprofit organizations. The United Way has been the conduit for helping thousands of individuals, regardless of income level, contribute to a united community cause. As a result, the United Way has allocated more than $8 million to local agencies for everything from basic necessities like food to tutoring programs for youth to helping the elderly get to the doctor.

Investing in Marshall County’s nonprofit organizations is critical to the health and vitality of the community and making good decisions regarding those funds is important too. Those interested in volunteering for the Allocations Committee are encouraged to call the United Way of Marshall County at 574.936.3366, email info@marshallcountyuw.org or visit http://www.marshallcountyuw.org/ for more information or a volunteer application form. Additional volunteer positions for nonprofits across the county may also be accessed through the United Way website.