- November 23, 2024
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The donation marks the largest ever granted to the Volusia-Flagler chapter. Last year it was $581,480.
The Volusia-Flagler United Way’s annual fundraising campaign neared its end this year with a bang, when Publix Super Markets presented the organization with a $697,648 donation, the largest single donation ever granted to the local chapter.
Publix managers, along with United Way directors, volunteers and staff gathered March 29 to celebrate the donation, which was made up of $394,148 donations from Publix employees spanning 26 stores, and $301,500 from Publix Super Markets Charities, which matches a percentage of workers’ donations.
“Publix goes above and beyond in this community,” said Ray Salazar, Volusia-Flagler United Way president. “Offering the donation match to their employees is like offering one of their buy-one-get-one deals and essentially doubles an employee’s donation.”
Last year, Publix donated $581,480 to the fundraising drive.
Funds collected in the United Way’s annual drive, which runs from September to April, support more than 36 local nonprofits and directly finances more than 50 local programs, as well as the organization’s internal operations.
Last year, $2.22 million was collected. This year’s goal was $2,375,000. As of March 29, $2,224,325 has been counted.Final numbers will be released May 4.
According to Crystal Elkins, marketing and events director, United Way’s programs touch about one in three Volusia/Flagler residents. Funding allocation for the programs is decided by a group of more than 70 local volunteers who review all agencies annually.
Of all programs funded by the organization, approximately 70% serve Flagler County residents, Elkins added. Some, like Flagler Volunteer Services and Flagler County School’s Summer Camp, are based in Flagler, and others, like United Cerebral Palsy, have locations in both Flagler and Volusia. Call 253-0564.
