United Way of Montgomery County, a collaborative social services organization, kicked off its annual fundraising campaign Tuesday by announcing a new theme, spotlighting a new pilot program, and recognizing organizations that have significantly contributed to its mission.
Each year, United Way holds a community-wide fundraising drive to collect donations through payroll deductions, annual gifts, planned giving and special events. Funds are then distributed to nonprofit agencies serving Montgomery County residents, based on the direction of donors and supporters.
This year’s campaign theme is “Meat the Need,” with a goal of raising $350,000 through donations and pledges. Donors who give at least $50 per donation will be entered into a raffle. Four winners will each receive a quarter of a beef cow.
Kayla Miles, recently appointed director of United Way, shared an update on a new pilot program, First Door, created in large part with the help of Drug Free Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Commissioners’ Opioid Settlement Fund.
The First Door program connects individuals and families to vital community resources, including housing, food, health care, legal services, financial support, education and more. Whether facing a crisis or in need of ongoing support, First Door serves as a central access point to help people navigate available assistance in the Montgomery County area.
Miles also highlighted several community programs that have seen recent developments, including the Sunshine Van Program, Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy and Trinity Life Ministries.
The Sunshine Van Program, which currently provides transportation for older adults, is set to begin transitioning into a public rideshare service in early 2026. CARA is moving into a larger facility, the former Ivy Tech building. Trinity Life Ministries has acquired a new building, which is being renovated to expand its transitional housing program for men.
Food insecurity was also a key topic during the kickoff.
“Almost 15% of families in Montgomery County are food insecure,” Miles said. “That’s not acceptable, and together, we can change it.”
She recognized two organizations actively addressing food insecurity in the community: FISH Food Pantry and the Youth Service Bureau. YSB sends 145 kids home with Nourish Backpacks every Friday, totaling 1,160 meals each week. FISH Food Pantry has increased its reach from about 400 families per month last year to nearly 650 families per month today.
“So, this year we’re tackling these needs in a big and maybe even a little unusual way,” Miles said. “We’re giving away a cow. An entire cow.”
Miles announced this year’s pace-setters as Crawfordsville and North Montgomery school corporations and Hoosiers Heartland State Bank, starting off the campaign with $60,000.
