United Way Will Host Second Agency Tour

The Franklin County Area United Way will host a second agency tour for donors to see firsthand how their contributions improve lives.

The tour will take place next Thursday, July 12, from 8:15 a.m. to about noon.

“The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is so true,” said Kim Strubberg, program coordinator.

“We can tell you what your contributions to the United Way provide, but nothing brings it home as well as visiting the agencies and seeing it firsthand,” she said.

The tour will begin at the United Way office at 201 W. Front St. in Washington with coffee and pastries.

“OATS buses will then transport participants to Camp Washington, where the kids will melt your hearts,” Strubberg said. “Next, we will go to Gerald Care and Rehab to see the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in action and then Rainbow Activity Center in Union, where you will be inspired by the clients there.”

OATS is a United Way agency as well.

In May the United Way hosted a tour with stops at Agape House in Pacific, Harmony Club House, a program of the Crider Center in Washington, and the Four Rivers Area YMCA, also in Washington.

More than a dozen participated in the May tour, including United Way and other nonprofit directors as well as representatives from industry, retailing and the community.

People interesting in taking part in the July 12 tour are asked to call the United Way office, 636-239-1018, by Tuesday, July 10.

The 2012 campaign will kick off in early September. This year’s theme is “Helping Others Helps Us All.”

The United Way provides funding to 45 agencies and programs that serve Franklin County and the surrounding area.

Through its agencies, the United Way was able to provide help to more than 70,000 individuals in the Franklin County area this past year due to the generosity of the community, Strubberg said.