Why I'm All In: Supporting the Wiregrass United Way on Giving Tuesday on December 2nd

As the Owner of Vickers Marketing and a long-time resident of the Wiregrass, my commitment to this community goes far beyond business hours. I believe that a successful company thrives when the community around it thrives, and to me, that means taking an active role in strengthening the foundation of our local area.

I see the incredible heart of the Wiregrass every day—the ambition in our businesses, the dedication in our schools, and the strong spirit of our neighbors. But I also recognize the very real, often hidden challenges that many families face right here in Barbour County.

This is why I am so deeply passionate about the Wiregrass United Way (WUW). And this year, I have taken on a role that truly fills my heart with pride: serving as the Campaign Chair for the Barbour County United Way Campaign.

My Commitment as a Business Owner and Campaign Chair for the Wiregrass United Way

Serving as the Barbour County Campaign Chair isn't just a title; it's a commitment to leveraging my influence to mobilize action. It’s a role that requires direct engagement, and so far, I have personally called, mailed, emailed, and spoken directly to business owners across Barbour County to advocate for this vital cause. My work is an opportunity to personally champion the critical, outcome-driven work that happens right here in Eufaula and our surrounding communities.

My passion for the United Way stems from knowing that they don't just fund one isolated cause. They are an essential force that unites our entire community to tackle the fundamental issues in Education, Health, and Financial Stability.

The Wiregrass United Way supports a network of over 38 local partner agencies—agencies that are on the ground every day, helping our friends and neighbors. When you support WUW, you are supporting:

• Children’s Well-being in Eufaula & Barbour: Agencies like the Boys & Girls Club of Eufaula, providing safe and engaging after-school programs for our local youth, and the Barbour County 4-H, fostering leadership and development skills in our students. We also support the Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind (AIDB), delivering specialized services to Barbour County families.

• Health and Safety: Organizations like The House of Ruth, providing critical shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence, and SpectraCare Health Systems, delivering vital mental health support that extends into our community.

• Basic Needs & Stability: Partners such as the Family Service Center Barbour, helping residents access essential resources, along with The Salvation Army and the Wiregrass Area Food Bank, ensuring that our neighbors have food and emergency shelter. We also support Wiregrass 2-1-1, connecting Barbour residents with the local services they need.
  

As a business owner, I value effective, accountable results. When you donate to WUW, you’re not just making a charitable gift; you're making a strategic investment in a coordinated effort that lifts up the whole region. A core reason for my commitment is knowing that 99 cents of every dollar donated stays right here in the Wiregrass to serve our local needs.

The Day for Global Good: Giving Tuesday is on December 2nd!

As we approach the holiday season, a powerful moment for global generosity is right around the corner: Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday, on December 2nd, is a dedicated day where people around the world hit pause on the consumer frenzy and choose to give back. It is the perfect opportunity for all of us in Barbour County and the Wiregrass to show our collective strength and make a measurable, immediate impact in our community.

Why Choose Wiregrass United Way on Giving Tuesday?

• Local Impact: Your donation directly supports the local agencies serving the Eufaula and Barbour County area, ensuring help is available where we live and work.

• Sustainable Funding: WUW’s funding model ensures partner agencies receive consistent support, allowing them to focus on long-term service delivery, not just crisis management.

• Building a Better Workforce: By funding education and stability programs, we are investing in the future employees and customers who will strengthen our local economy.

A Call to Action from Your Campaign Chair

I am so proud to be the owner of a business, Vickers Marketing, that operates in a community that truly shows up for its own. On this Giving Tuesday, I urge you to join me in supporting the Wiregrass United Way.

Let's show the true power of the Wiregrass spirit by supporting the organizations that keep our region strong, healthy, and thriving.

Please make a tax-deductible gift to the Wiregrass United Way on Giving Tuesday. Every donation, no matter the size, helps build a better Barbour County and a brighter future for the entire Wiregrass.

Additionally, if you decide to donate this Giving Tuesday, every contribution will be matched dollar for dollar up to $75,000, courtesy of this year's matching sponsor, Five Star Credit Union!

Click here to make your Giving Tuesday gift on December 2nd: https://www.wuw.org/give

United Is The Way,

Katie Vickers, Owner, Vickers Marketing, Barbour County Wiregrass United Way Campaign Chair