PirateQ 
Any amount – no matter how small the donation can make a difference.
That is the message Butch Branch and Michael Listau, Pensacola State College’s United Way of Escambia County campaign co-chairs want to stress to the College family.
Pensacola State’s annual 2017-18 campaign started Friday, Feb. 6, with kick-off meeting with team captains and United Way Campaign Manager Julie Emmons and ARC Gateway Children’s Service Director Mary Ann Bickerstaff in attendance.
This year’s theme is “Anything Helps” the United Way – which serves more than 40 local programs. The agency brings together agencies, businesses, organizations, faith-based groups, government, and individuals to focus on the community problems.
“We’re not asking for a lot of money – just the change in your pocket,” said Branch who added he and Listau will even wash cars this spring to help increase employee participation and raise funds for the organization.
During the 2016-17 campaign, 67 of Pensacola State 1,100 employees pledged more than $8,780 to the United Way. In 2015-16 campaign, the college had 72 of the 970 employees to contribute nearly $8,300.
“We really want more employees to participate,” said Listau of this year’s campaign. “The United Way does so much good in our community and right here at Pensacola State College. As Butch said, any amount will help.”
Full-time faculty and staff can contribute through payroll deduction and if they so choose, can designate Pensacola State College for their gift on the United Way pledge form. One-time donations also are accepted as well.
According to the United Way, for every $20 donated, an adult receives a 30-day supply of medication or a person receives jobs-seeking skills training. A $50 donation can enroll a child in an afterschool program for one week, and a $100 gift will provide food and shelter to a veteran for one month. With a $500 pledge, one child can receive up to 100 days’ worth of food.