County employees support United Way

In November of 2007, the Belknap County Commissioners agreed to make every effort to support the work of the Lakes Region United Way (LRUW). A schedule of presentations on the organization's programs was created to educate county employees, enticing them to donate a portion of their paychecks to the non-profit. Raffle items were obtained from local restaurants and grocery stores as rewards to those who participated in the payroll deduction plan.

“When John Malm and Jack Terrill from the United Way approached us to ask if we would be willing to get behind this effort, all of the Belknap County Commissioners wholeheartedly threw in their support”, says Christopher Boothby, Belknap County Commissioner.

“Donations were up 77-percent and our employee participation rate also increased by an astounding 67-percent. I am very proud of our accomplishments and thank all of the employees who gave back to our Lakes Region community...” stated Richard Long, Belknap County Commissioner.

Employee payroll deduction plans represent approximately half of the total dollars raised each year by the LRUW. “We have seen first hand the difference in results from when the LRUW presents to a group of employees and when we don’t,” said John Malm, Meredith Village Savings Bank VP and LRUW Campaign Chair. “When you see an increase such as this with the Belknap County employees, it solidifies with me that our message is coming through properly. They understand that we are collectively supporting our friends and neighbors in need. It is truly a united effort.”