Fundraising for United Way campaign runs behind
LEWISTOWN — Colette Hartzler has been fundraising long enough to know that each year brings unique challenges.
This year is no exception for the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata’s 2025 Annual Campaign.
“It could be a little better of course,” said Hartzler, the agency’s executive director. “We’re running just a little behind.”
Hartzler said the campaign has raised about 38 percent of its goal to raise $450,000, which is the same amount as last year despite its needs being greater.
“I’m not sure what the difference is this year,” Hartzler added. “It’s always interesting to see what each year brings.”
Last year’s Annual Campaign raised $371,623, or 82.6 percent of the $450,000 goal.
The Mifflin-Juniata chapter provides community grants and resources to 16 partner agencies, which seek to promote health, education and financial stability for every person in every community.
The partner agencies include Christian Retreat Center, East Waterford; The Abuse Network, Lewistown; American Red Cross, Mid-Central Pennsylvania; Community Partnerships, Lewistown; Compass Community Connections, Lewistown; Crossroads Pregnancy Center, Lewistown; Fayette Area Lions Den Recreation and Fitness Facility, McAlisterville; and Juniata County Library, Mifflintown.
Also, Juniata Valley Council, Boys Scouts of America; Juniata Valley YMCA, Burnham; Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, State College; Paul W. Delauter Youth Center, Mifflintown; LUMINA Center, Lewistown; Mifflin County Library, Lewistown, Mid Penn Legal Services, Lewistown; and NuVisions Center, Lewistown.
The holidays were certainly a busy time for the Mifflin-Juniata chapter with its highly-popular Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 18 and Ugly Sweater Day followed on Dec. 20.
The United Way will host “A Night at the Races” on Saturday, Jan. 25 with Acclaim Productions’ Jason Christopher, hosted by the Kish Innovation Center, 7920 Route 655 Reedsville, and sponsored by Encompass Health. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with the race to start at 7 p.m.
Last year’s event served as a successful fundraiser.
“We’re looking forward to the night at the races and looking forward to a great fundraiser there,” Hartzler said. “We will also be doing the golf tournament again in May. Funds raised will go towards the campaign.”
On Saturday, Feb. 8, the Walk for Warmth is scheduled. Proceeds from that event go to the Mifflin-Juniata Energy Bank.
To make a donation to the United Way, visit www.mjhunitedway.org.