Marina McCawley Chooses United Way of Lake County
Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign.
How long and in what ways have you been involved with United Way of Lake County?
I first learned of United Way of Lake County when my company participated in their employee giving campaign. I now coordinate my company’s employee giving campaign and have done so for over 10 years. I also coordinate other company fundraisers with some of their agencies throughout the year.
What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?
I had always wanted to volunteer more in my community, but it was difficult to do while raising 3 children. I am now in a different stage in my life and my children are grown up so I have more free time. I attended a Women United Wine & Learn event where I met like-minded women and felt that Women United’s mission to help children was exactly what I wanted to do. I love that we are helping children in our high-risk communities.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
United Way of Lake County’s Success By 6 program offers home visiting for high-risk children. It is so important to help these children before they enter school so they have a better chance at succeeding in school and life.
Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?
Before I attended my company’s giving campaign, I didn’t know what United Way of Lake County was or what they did. I feel it’s important to be a United Way of Lake County advocate and share their message with families in our community who need their services.
What does education mean to you?
I wasn’t one of the lucky children who attended preschool. My parents loved me but they didn’t speak English and they worked so much that they didn’t have time to read to me. So, yes, I was one of those statistics. I struggled and was behind when I started kindergarten. We now have these great programs to educate children so that no child will feel lost on their first day of school.
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