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Day of Caring May 16th and beyond

Your community needs YOU! Join the Day of Caring Thursday, May 16. It is a fun way for businesses, organizations and individuals to help those who help so many --our local non-profits. Check out the list of opportunities and contact Cherie at 745-5822 or email cherie@unitedwaymatsu.org to volunteer. There is something for everyone and locations from Sutton to Talkeetna. Do not worry if you cannot participate that day. Weather and or people's work schedules can sometimes interfere, but arrangements can be made to complete some projects at a later time and date. Volunteering feels good. Join us and feel the joy.

Download a list of volunteer opportunites. (.PDF)

Matanuska Susitna Borough School District receives the Pacesetter Award

Each year there is an organization that sets the bar higher. One that exceeds their prior year’s fundraising and thereby increases positive community impact in the areas of education, income and health. We honor this effort with the Pacesetter Award. This year’s winner exceeded the 2011 giving by over 200% and 394% more employees donated. This represents a huge increase and will translate into a major impact. This year’s winner was the Matanuska Susitna Borough School District. On hand to accept the award at the Palmer Chamber of Commerce meeting March 27, 2013, were Superintendent Dr Deana Paramo and Assistant Superintendent Gene Stone.

Gene Stone, Dr. Deana Paramo and Stephanie Allen

The Matanuska Susitna Borough School District’s innovations have lead to a low dropout rate and high reading scores and it was an honor to be able to recognize them for their efforts as education is a primary focus of United Way of Mat-Su and we work closely with the district especially in the area of early childhood education

37 of the district’s 45 schools held a United Way of Mat-Su presentation and of those, Palmer Junior Middle School had the highest level of participation with nearly 60% of their staff donating. Former Teacher of the Year and this school’s campaign coordinator, Linda Jo Klapperich accepted the $450 check, which was a recognition of this school’s giving. The school may use the funds to purchase educational supplies.
Congratulations and thank you to Mat-Su Borough School District and their employees for their generosity.

Two additional awards were presented at the ceremony. The first to The Ellis Group for year after year making meaningful contributions from 100% of the staff from the founder to the newest employee. The second to First National Bank Alaska, who also consistently supports United Way of Mat-Su by having a large group that volunteers for Day of Caring and this year also achieved 100% staff participation in giving.

Stephanie Allen, Mari Jo Parks, Cherie LeBlanc-Shue, and Linda Jo Klapperich

United Way of Mat-Su thanks everyone who participated in the 2012 United Way of Mat-Su giving campaign.

 

Mari Jo Parks 2012 Dorothy A Jones Volunteer of the Year

Most people know Mari Jo as the CEO (Chief Elf Organizer) of Special Santa, which she started in 1997. Mat-Su Special Santa brings winter wear, books, toys and more to children in need. She coordinates many agencies to ensure that all children in the Valley have Christmas. Last year 3000 children were served and over 20,000 have been helped since 1997.
Read more about Mary Jo's committment to our community.

2013 Day of Caring

Thursday, May 16, 2013 United Way of Mat-Su will be organizing volunteers for the annual Day of Caring. It is a fun opportunity for local organizations, businesses and individuals to assist those who help so many in the Mat-Su, the local non-profits. There are always a wide mix of projects available for volunteers, everything from planting a few flowers to building an ADA compliant ramp.

To volunteer to take part in the 2013 Day of Caring contact Cherie at 745-5822. We will match volunteer’s interests and skills with projects.

Non-profits are encouraged to submit a project form to be added to the list of planned jobs to be completed.

2013 Day of Caring Project Form (.PDF)

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