Published: Dec 3, 2024 at 7:33 PM EST
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) -The 2024 Lubbock Area United Way Annual Campaign has raised $5.2 million so far to support local programs.
Under the theme “Growing Our Future Together,” the campaign received widespread community support, funding initiatives that assist youth, families, and individuals across the South Plains.
Campaign Chair Matt Ernst, who is also KCBD’s News Director, announced this year’s funding will support 22 partner agencies, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock, the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers, and many more.
“That foundation is so important, youth is what will shape our tomorrow, so we are excited that we are able to help them with the programs that they need, the resources that they need because our youth is shaping the future for all of us,” Melissa Corley, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock, said. “It’s important for us to watch out for them and take care of those needs today and United Way allows us to do that.”
These agencies provide services such as youth mentoring, job training, and emergency assistance, benefiting more than 122,000 people annually.
“The most important thing is celebrating an amazing thing that’s happening in our community. Raising over $5.2 million in a year of uncertainty, people are struggling, the economy is creeping along, and it has been so much uncertainty. Looking at what Lubbock does for Lubbock is amazing,” Amanda McAfee, President and CEO of Lubbock Area United Way, said.
Ernst also announced the Helen Jones Foundation recently gave $1 million to the United Ways Endowment Fund. That brings the total given this year to more than $6.2 million.
The final total will be announced at the United Way’s Annual Meeting in February.
