In addition to helping fund a variety of nonprofit agencies, the Northwest Montana United Way touches the lives of those in our community in numerous ways.

The United Way connects individuals to agencies and services through publications and community outreach programs, provides administrative support to programs and services and connects volunteers who want to make a difference.

Last year, United Way member agencies touched more than 51,393 lives and local United Way volunteers donated more than 13,000 hours of service to the community.

The United Way is currently wrapping up its 2013 fundraising campaign, which concludes Tuesday,  Dec. 31.

“Work United, Give United, Live United” is the theme of the 2013 United Way fund drive, which benefits a variety of non-profit agencies that help our neighbors throughout Northwest Montana.

The monetary goal for the campaign is $600,000. A recurring theme of the campaign is building, connecting and strengthening our community, focusing on the difference that an individual can make to help meet everyday needs of everyday people.

Donations to the annual fund drive benefit United Way member agencies and services in Flathead County, serving thousands of local individuals and families with a variety of needs.

During the past year, the United Way impacted thousands of individuals and families through its programs, including:

v 5,622 families were assisted through United Way’s FamilyWize prescription discount program.

v Volunteers delivered groceries 648 times to senior citizens through the United Way Grocery Delivery Program.

v 1,290 individuals received free tax services from AARP and VITA Tax Assistance program volunteers, bringing almost $1 million back to the Flathead Valley in tax refunds.

v More than 10,000 people in need were connected to services through the United Way’s 2-1-1 Database Project.

The United Way is building a strong foundation that will change the community by:

v Helping families become self sufficient.

v Increasing financial stability.

v Ensuring access to primary health care.

v Reducing homelessness.

v Providing educational opportunities that build skills.

v Striving to break the cycle of childhood poverty.

United Way donations stay here in the community, touching neighbors and friends. Administration and fund-raising account for just 7 percent of the United Way’s budget.

Donations to United Way may be mailed to P.O. Box 7217, Kalispell, MT 59904. For more information on the United Way campaign, call 752-7266.

Donors may choose how to give, including cash, payroll deductions, charging to a  credit card, direct bill, or through an automatic bank transfer. Donors also may designate which member agencies or local affiliated partner agencies or the Montana Shares Federation they want to receive their gift.