by Donna Thornton

The United Givers Fund had its final volunteer luncheon served by the Lookout Mountain Homemakers last month, and UGF Executive Director, Elizabeth McElrath, updated the group on campaign goals as well as ways to donate.

The 2023 Campaign is off to an amazing start with 75% of their $200,000 goal reached. There are still a few more payroll deductions to add as well as individual donations to receive. McElrath has been speaking at several industries regarding payroll deductions and it looks like those are picking up everywhere. UGF is still looking for more industries to partner with and do payroll deductions. If anyone would like more information please feel free to contact the office and schedule a time to come to your company to discuss this further. The cutoff to be included in this year's campaign is Jan. 26.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do this by going to the UGF Facebook page and clicking the donate button, or by mailing donations to PO Box 680292, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968. “We also accept donations in person at the UGF office at 106 3rd Street SE, Fort Payne,” McElrath said. “There is also a night drop box at the location if you come by after hours. You can also email us at unitedgiversfund@ugfdekalb.org and request an invoice to pay online.

“If you would like to support UGF but don't have funds to donate, you can help by either volunteering or just doing your usual online shopping. In October of this year, Amazon did away with the Amazon Smile program. However, you can still make a donation when you shop if you go to https://shopraise.com/support/ugfdekalb and download the ShopRaise app.

“They have over 1,200 retailers and you can do your usual shopping and then UGF will get a percentage paid to us as a donation. You don't have to pay any extra for this. The app is free and the retailers have the same prices as they do online. Also, they have gift cards and they have the largest percentage,”