While partnered with Lou Sobhs Chevrolet, United Way of Santa Rosa County (UWSR) is currently assisting the United States Marine Corp Reserves in collecting toys for area families in need with their annual ‘Toys of Tots’ campaign.
“It’s a really busy time for us,” said executive director Guy Thompson.
In addition to assisting families in providing presents for their children under the Christmas tree this year, the United Way assists several other non-profit organizations throughout the year, Thompson said.
Thompson estimates United Way assists nearly 20 local organizations each year.
Some of which include Bay Area Food Bank, South Santa Rosa Interfaith Ministries and Favor House of Northwest Florida, Inc. among others.
United Way helps with funding by partnering with a company to start a fundraising campaign.
For example, Publix gives over $140,000 a year in donations, Thompson said.
United Way also has a low administrative fee of 10 to 12 percent when accepting monetary donations.
United Way Santa Rosa currently has a full time staff of three, and Thompson himself has served as executive director for the past 34 years.
According to the 2013 annual community needs assessment for Santa Rosa County, United Way states the greatest need requested by county residents came in the form of financial assistance, housing and food.
While a majority of the calls from the First Call for Help information and referral line requested financial assistance at 78.5 percent, requests for both housing and food were both around 11 percent.
To address the need for financial assistance, the UWSR is supporting agencies which provide financial literacy and assistance classes.
The UWSR also received an Emergency Solution Grant to prevent homelessness within the county.
The assessment also states UWSR provides advocacy and support to agencies and programs through providing nutritional food assistance to area families in need.
For residents who are interested in volunteering in a particular area, UWSRC Development Director Kyle Holley said a newly opened volunteer center is available at the UWSR Milton office, during regular office hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Not only does the center allow volunteers to help nonprofit organizations assisted by the UWSR but other volunteer efforts as well, Holley said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: United Way of Santa Rosa County helps those in need