Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Russell Barron visited the United Way of Treasure Valley Basic Needs Pantry in Boise recently to announce the kickoff of the 2017 Idaho State Employee’s Charitable Giving Campaign and to demonstrate how IDHW employees collectively give back in the communities where they live and work, and the many organizations that are part of the United Way’s United We Care/United We Fight campaign.
“Much of the work we do here at the Department of Health and Welfare helps keep Idaho families safe, strong, and intact,” said Barron. “It’s no secret that we wouldn’t be able to help as many struggling Idahoans without the aid of many nonprofit organizations doing the kind of work that helps keep families healthy and safe.”
Last year, Idaho state agency employees donated more than $250,000 to various Idaho non-profit organizations during the fundraising campaign. IDHW employees contributed approximately $40,000 through payroll deductions and one-time contributions in 2016.
According to the United Way of Treasure Valley, donations raised in the Treasure Valley alone from the 2016 campaign helped:
- 9,582 Idaho children & families receive preventative medical care and dental services
- 4,477 receive behavioral & mental health services; children & adult counseling, case management, emergency shelter
- 3,000 homeless students receive hygiene kits
- 40,270 people receive discounted prescription medication
- 940 children enter school prepared to learn
- 200,000 students served through Treasure Valley education partnerships
- 3,198 children supported before and after school
- 50,000 + books delivered to low-income children
- 11 adults receive scholarship support for post-secondary education
- 1,162 adults receive job education and training that led to asset development, financial literacy and livable wage jobs
- 652 volunteers log 4,879 hours
“The theme this year is “United We Fight,” and the idea is that we are stronger together as we all work to help make Idaho families strong and resilient,” said Barron. “I hope you will consider making a donation that will help struggling Idaho families maintain or gain self-sufficiency. A gift of any size will help make a difference.”
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