United Way Shares New Community Campaign

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Through community support, the United Way of Greater Chattanooga is well on its way to raising $12.2 million dollars.

We’re told every cent will stay in this region.

Tom Glenn, Chairman of the United Way Board, says, "I’m very excited about it. I know we tried. It was probably five years where we were knocking at the door of $12 million. We went through the recession, so it was hard to break through."

But they’re there, and proud to be able to fund dozens and dozens of programs, like providing books to preschool children and after school programs.

Tom White, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Unum, adds, "I think the third thing is just providing services for families. How can you track and make sure your child is at an appropriate reading level, math level."

A big part of the United Way’s 93rd annual community campaign is children.

City leaders say education is the solution to a lot of problems and its got to start early.

Glenn adds, "If we don’t do that, we know that 75 percent who are incarcerated don’t have a high school education."

These United Way supporters say they’re working on the getting the community even more involved this year, and hoping for an even larger investment from everyone.

White adds, "What Id like to see is a lot of organizations that work in these areas, work more closely together."

If you’d like to donate to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga go to www.uwchatt.org.