CLEARFIELD – Greg Dixon, chairman of the Clearfield Area United Way campaign, is gearing up to get the annual campaign under way.
Plans are currently being made for its official kickoff. “But just because it’s campaign time, it doesn’t mean that we haven’t been busy with other programs,” he stated.
The CAUW’s most recent initiative, Jeans for Teens, has wrapped up again. It was the 13th year for the program, and it’s possible with help from Kurtz Bros.
The initiative helps area teenagers receive some new school clothes. Board member Brenda Terry emphasized that Jeans for Teens has concluded for this year and will not resume until next fall.
“However, the United Way does need donations to enable this important and self-esteem building program to continue,” she stated. “You can still make a donation to help this special once-a-year event.”
People are being requested to please make checks payable to the Clearfield Area United Way, 18 N. Second St., P.O. Box 1430, Clearfield, PA 16830 with “Jeans for Teens” written in the memo line.
According to Terry, the United Way worked with area agencies, churches and department stores to make Jeans for Teens possible and to identify young adolescents who would benefit from it.
“Teens have to wear presentable clothing to school on a daily basis, and some of their parents just can’t afford it,” she stated.
“Feeling accepted, getting along with peers and having a positive self-esteem are all essential to kids, and at this middle and high school age, how you look and dress can mean so much.”
Through a special partnership, CAUW had enough money again this year for each child to be given $100 for new school clothes.
“We appreciate JCPenney and Wal-Mart for giving extra goodies to enable the total purchase to be even more,” stated Terry. More specifically, she thanked store representatives Rhonda Hamilton of JCPenney and Josh Kunkle of Wal-Mart.
CAUW helps 24 member agencies throughout Clearfield County, such as libraries, scouts, day cares, senior programs, Red Cross classes, the YMCA, etc.
President Debbie Bowser added, “We ask that you be as generous as possible when giving to United Way. With funding cutbacks affecting many member agencies, we need to fill those gaps.”
The CAUW kickoff luncheon will be held in mid-October and more information will released at a later date.
