United Way Campaign Posts 40% before Thanksgiving

 In photo below:  Bruce Sheets (left), Electric Distribution Team Leader from Consumers Energy’s Zeeland Service Center and Dennis McKee, Public Affairs Director, put up the 40% mark on United Way’s campaign thermometer sign at Chicago Drive and State Street in Zeeland on Monday. Donations from employees of Consumers’ JH Campbell Complex in Port Sheldon Township and Zeeland Service Center were up more than 10 percent over last year.

Holland, Michigan:  November 25, 2009:  Greater Ottawa County United Way officials are thankful for a generous community this Thanksgiving holiday, as workplace campaigns and individual donations received so far have pushed the community campaign past the 40 percent mark. As of Monday, more than $750,000 in gifts and pledges had been tallied toward a goal of $1.8 million.

Campaign Chair Larry Koops noted that, while workplace campaigns are down on average about five percent from last year’s levels, gifts from individuals are up about 20 percent, a trend he says everyone hopes will continue.

“People not connected to a workplace campaign will be a critical factor in our success. Even with more than 200 companies in Ottawa County holding workplace campaigns, we reach only about 20 percent of our citizens in this way. We need the help of the other 80 percent to fill the gap so that we can meet the urgent needs of our community today and create the building blocks of a better life tomorrow,” Koops said.

United Way will conduct a phone-a-thon on December 1 and 2 in the hopes of increasing gifts from individual givers, Koops added. Board members and other volunteers will call prospective givers, as well as past givers who have not yet contributed to this year’s campaign, asking for their support.

United Way President Patrick Moran said that many workplace campaigns already completed are up, an encouraging trend.

“More than half of the workplace campaigns have increased over last year’s results,” Moran said. “This is helping to bridge the gap for companies whose workforce is smaller than it was during last year’s campaign.”

He added, “We continue to be very, very gratified by the community’s generosity.  West Michigan has proven itself year after year as a giving community that cares deeply about those in need.”

Moran also noted two nontraditional sources that have provided a boost to the campaign.

“We’re connecting with more retirees this year, and retiree giving is up over last year.  Also, our Beyond the Workplace division continues to break new ground in partnering with local retail and restaurant businesses to benefit the community.”

Moran cited next month’s “Feel the Zeel of Giving,” a holiday event happening in downtown Zeeland on Thursday and Friday nights, 5:30-8:30 p.m. from December 3 through 18.

“Downtown Zeeland is going all out to create a holiday experience for families, with horse-drawn trolley rides, caroling, pictures with Santa, free giftwrapping, and treats and specials in all the shops and restaurants. United Way is helping to provide volunteers for these six nights of holiday fun through Volunteer Solutions, our online volunteer resource. Participating businesses will donate a percentage of their sales to United Way. It’s the true holiday spirit coming alive for the good of our community,” he said.

Volunteers can sign up to help wrap gifts, lead carols on the trolley, or stroll the downtown streets directing visitors to activities during one or more of the six nights by emailing Shannon Morton, Director of Volunteerism, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 396-7811 in Holland or 842-7130 in Grand Haven. 

Moran emphasized that everyone can help just by shopping or dining in Zeeland during “Feel the Zeel of Giving.”

“It’s a great way to enjoy time with friends and family while helping others,” he said.

 Residents who are not able to participate in the campaign through their employment may also click DONATE NOW at www.ottawaunitedway.org, or mail a donation to Greater Ottawa County United Way, PO Box 1349, Holland, MI  49422.  Anyone with questions may call Patrick Moran, President, at 616-396-7811 in Holland or 842-7130 in Grand Haven.