United Way pledges top $21,000
Benjamin Logan Schools teachers and staff kicked off their new school year with a record-setting internal United Way campaign.
A total of 136 employees combined to pledge $21,063 through the course of the school year to support United Way’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Logan County.
The district’s United Way pledges have grown seven years in a row, but this year’s increase was a whopping 48 percent over 2020 ($14,211).
“I am incredibly pleased with the outpouring of support for United Way from our Benjamin Logan staff,” Superintendent John Scheu said. “The increase over last year’s total donations of almost $7,000 speaks volumes of the generosity of our staff. The many programs funded by United Way that directly and indirectly benefit so many of our students and families provides a significant incentive for giving.”
“To have this level of support from so many educators is humbling,” said Dave Bezusko, United Way executive director. “The teachers, bus drivers, custodians, and administrators interact with students and their families every day, acknowledging the challenges many face outside the classroom.
“In response, they’ve entrusted their philanthropic dollars with United Way programs that work right here in Logan County to impact these students and their families so the kids can come to school better prepared to learn. It shows a true partnership here in the mission to raise up our next generation.”
In addition to the financial pledges, about two dozen staff members combined to donate more than 80 hours of volunteer service on United Way’s recent Community Care Day.
Because of the partnership with United Way, staff members are helping to support:
• More than 1,800 preschoolers are enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, receiving a free book every month to increase vocabulary, build kindergarten readiness, and have quality reading time.
• Warm Clothes for Kids, which works with teachers and administrators each fall to identify 400 children in grades K-8 who need new winter gear.
• United Way’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive collects and distributes thousands of materials directly to all county schools.
• TCN Behavioral Health, which screens every 6th and 9th grade student for mental health and substance abuse so those who score high can get help.
• After School activities and homework help that occur every day at three Logan County Neighborhood Outreach Centers.
To date, $276,573 has been pledged to the 2021 United Way of Logan County campaign, which has an overall goal of $1 million for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, visit www.uwlogan.org or call (937) 592-2886.