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United Ways open campaigns

While Labor Day has come to signify the unofficial end of summer, it also annually marks the start of the campaigns of our local United Ways.

The United Way of Jefferson County opened its 2017 campaign Thursday during its Day of Action. Nearly 200 volunteers and supporters gathered inside Hellenic Hall at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church to enjoy fellowship and breakfast before traveling to all parts of the county to work on a wide variety of projects.

Area residents who have followed the United Way campaigns in the past will notice that this year’s effort has a different feel. There will be no monetary goal, but there will be an objective of helping 20,000 people across Jefferson County. As Kate Sedgmer, who is beginning her first campaign as the organization’s executive director, has pointed out, every single dollar that is donated to the United Way is important.

Joining Sedgmer in directing that campaign is a dedicated group of volunteers led by board President Anthony Mougianis.

The Day of Action is the first of many events planned by the United Way. That list includes the annual Taste of Jefferson County, which will be held Oct. 5 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville.

The Weirton United Way, meanwhile, has several events scheduled for coming weeks, including a fitness fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Victorian Hall; the campaign team open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at its offices, located at 3970 Main St.; annual walk-a-thons at Weir Middle and high schools on Sept. 16; and the annual fall golf tournament on Sept. 20 at Mountaineer Woodview Golf Course in Chester.

Helping Executive Director Linda Stear with that campaign will be chair Tom McDonald and board President John Frankovitch.

Plus, the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, which serves agencies in Brooke County, has several events planned, including the Sandy O’Haver Day of Caring, which is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14, and the September to Remember Reverse Drawing, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack.

The United Ways that cover our region serve many agencies and organizations that provide a wide variety of services to better the lives of friends and neighbors. Those agencies offer food and shelter to those who are in need. They offer a safe place for those who are affected by domestic violence. They provide emergency disaster services.

While local United Ways are committed to making our communities stronger, they also have a simple reminder to everyone who donates –money that is raised here stays here.

That commitment ensures that when you give any amount to a local United Way that your donation will go toward helping a friend of neighbor who is in need.

We hope that you will support the United Way, either by donating or by volunteering. Your involvement will help to make our region a better place to live.

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