The United Way of South Central Massachusetts (UWSCM) celebrated the holidays and the midway point of the 2020 Annual Campaign with a virtual event on December 17, 2020.
Campaign Chairman Jim Croteau announced that the campaign has reached 46% of the $525,000 ambitious goal so far. With some workplace campaigns not completed yet and the hope of end of year personal donations to still come in. “It’s not too late to donate for 2020. With the increase of the $300 tax deduction for charitable giving, it is our hope that those who haven’t donated yet will still do so. This is a tough year for many and donations are needed more than ever so we can support the health, education and financial stability of those in need in the South Worcester County community.”
Mr. Croteau also announced the $80,000 Fundación MAPFRE grant to UWSCM. Fundación MAPFRE, a global nonprofit organization founded by MAPFRE in 1975, awarded the grant to support children and family programs in the region.
“MAPFRE Insurance has been partnering with the United Way since the 1990’s. We are proud to collaborate with the United Way South Central MA to support them in helping those at risk,” said MAPFRE Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Linda Johnson, who spoke at the event.
“Having this wonderful collaboration with MAPFRE Fundación is new for me personally, as they have previously worked with the United Way of Webster and Dudley,” said UWSCM Executive Director Mary O’Coin. “We are so grateful to have merged and thankful now to experience the support of MAPFRE for our entire region. I look forward to continuing our relationship for both the volunteerism of MAPFRE employees and receiving the financial support from such a global corporation.”
Another guest speaker was Liz Hamilton, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Worcester and Webster-Dudley. The B&G Club of Webster-Dudley’s Remote Learning and Afterschool program is supported by the United Way and is one of the programs MAPFRE’s grant will directly impact. Ms. Hamilton stated, “If it were not for the support of the United Way, we would not have been able to open our doors when our kids and community needed us most. We are grateful for the United Way grant which helped us stay open throughout the pandemic and provide vital services such as food, emergency childcare and learning hub programming while schools are remote. The United Way has stood by us every step of this unprecedented year.”