GM donations to Yuma's United Way reach $20,000

A $5,000 donation by the General Motors Foundation will be put to good use, according to United Way of Yuma County.

Jim Schmidt, the business manager at GM Desert Proving Ground, presented the check to Madeleine Coil, UWYC president and CEO, on Friday.

With this donation, GM reached the $20,000 mark of giving to the local United Way. The donation is a corporate gift to the agency's 2012-2013 annual campaign, which funds local health and human service needs, said Karina Jones, UWYC resource development and marketing director.

“GM Desert Proving Ground is among the top 10 companies that contribute the most to United Way of Yuma County,” Jones said. “We are very appreciative of the support that we receive from GM.”

Schmidt explained that the GM Foundation allows local operations to choose which community charities to help. GM Desert Proving Ground wanted to support United Way of Yuma County because of its focus on “improving the lives of locals,” Schmidt said.

“This donation is specific to United Way because of its mission to support education, income and health goals within the local community,” he said, adding that GM is impressed by the fact that organization keeps all funds in Yuma.

UWYC works with more than 20 local programs “that collaboratively bring the passion, expertise and resources to improve the Yuma community. By working together and ‘Living United,' UWYC believes everyone can help improve the community,” Jones said, referring to the organization's motto: “Live United ... Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all.”

UWYC is a local organization, governed by a volunteer board, that leverages community contributions to address various issues and needs in Yuma County. The local office manages several programs, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, Dolly Parton Imagination Library and FamilyWize discount card.

This year the agency set a contribution goal of $500,000. A large part of those contributions are expected to come through the agency's workplace campaign. In Yuma County, more than 100 businesses participate in the campaign every year.

“Conducting a workplace campaign is a great way for people to invest in their home community. Every dollar given by employees goes to fund over 20 much-needed programs in the area,” Jones said.

While announcing the goal last month, Coil highlighted the “record need” in Yuma County: an unemployment rate of nearly 30 percent, less than half of high school graduates qualifying for admission into Arizona's public universities and 37,000 residents needing health insurance assistance.

Andrea Bereznak, chairman of the marketing committee, pointed out that there are different ways to get involved: volunteering, direct contributions and hosting a workplace campaign.

For more information about United Way of Yuma County and how to donate, visit www.unitedwayyuma.org or call 783-0515.

Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.