News and Events
In the News:
United Way of Gloucester County
Spring into Action
5K Run/Family Fun Walk
April 20, 2013 – West Deptford Industrial Park (Metropolitan Parkway)
The United Way of Gloucester County will hold its inaugural “Spring into Action” 5K Run and Family Fun Walk on Saturday, April 20 at the West Deptford Industrial Park off of Metropolitan Parkway.
In addition to a professionally managed 5K race, there will be a family fun walk over a one mile course with games and activities for children.
Proceeds from the event will support United Way’s first competitive grant program – “Improving Supportive Services for Active Military, Veterans and their Families” to be awarded in July.
“According to the Gloucester County Office of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 20,000 veterans living in our county and that number will increase as troops are withdrawn from the Middle East,” reports Jere Hoffner, United Way executive director. “We know that returning veterans need employment opportunities and other assistance as they transition back to civilian life and we want to be as prepared as possible to help make that transition successful,” Hoffner added.
The race will begin at 9:00 AM. Participants can obtain a registration form by downloading it here or register online at www.tnteventmanagement.com/home. The pre-registration fee is $25 ($30 on the day of the event). The Family Fun Walk registration fee is $50 for a family of four.
Awards will be presented for the top two men and women runners in several age brackets. Awards will also be given for the fastest teams (3 or more runners).
Sponsorship opportunities are also available and will add significantly to the grant program.
For additional information contact Tina Grant at the United Way of Gloucester County 856 845 4303 x12 or tinagrant@uwgcnj.org.
United Way Teams With AARP
to Offer Tax Preparation Help
With the assistance of the Boeing Company, the United Way has helped Gloucester County’s AARP Tax Assistance Program offer online filing at two locations.
UWGC-purchased computers have been obtained for the tax preparation site at the Deptford Public Library, and the United Way office in Thorofare also offers online filing.
The computers at both locations allow the IRS-trained AARP volunteers to instantly file tax returns, greatly reducing the time the IRS needs to process returns and issue any refunds.
The free tax preparation service is open to all taxpayers with household revenue of approximately $47,000 or less.
“We are grateful to the Boeing Company for making the funds available to support these two tax assistance locations,” reported Earle McCloe, chairman of the United Way’s Community Initiative’s Cabinet. “AARP volunteers are saving the average tax payer more than $100 by providing tax filing assistance for free,” McCloe added.
Tax filing assistance is available each year through April 15. Appointments are needed. You may call to schedule an appointment beginning in January at the Deptford Library, call 856-848-9149. For appointments at the Thorofare location call 856-845-4303 x13. For a list of Tax Assistance Sites within Gloucester County, click here.
PSE&G GRANT SUPPORTS FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
A $20,000 grant to the United Way of Gloucester County will help the Woodbury Child Development Center expand its Family Enrichment Program and Resource Center.
The funds will be used to underwrite monthly programs for the parents of the children for whom the Center provides daycare and after school services. Parents have been surveyed to determine program topics and identified parenting skills, locating needed services, increasing their children’s educational achievement and other subjects.
Parents participating in the program will also be offered training in the use of the internet for employment, consumerism and other skills. They will have access to the Center’s computer lab when children are not using the computers.
“We are grateful to PSE&G and the United Way for their continued interest and generous assistance to our efforts to help our children succeed in school,” stated Phyllis Folk, Woodbury CDC executive director, adding “this program will provide parents with encouragement and the resources they need to help their children excel academically and socially.”
Past PSE&G grants to the United Way provided funds to create the Woodbury Child Development Center’s Computer Lab and purchase computers for the Woodbury Public Library and the Woodbury School System to increase student access to the Homework Helps New Jersey web-based tutorial program.
"PSE&G’s support for the United Way’s education initiatives is greatly appreciated,” reported Jere Hoffner, United Way executive director. “We are committed to assist our children reach their full potential and these initiatives are important first steps in that process,” he added.
