(From the United Way of Hancock County)

United Way of Hancock County is calling on all Difference Makers — the givers, the advocates and the volunteers — to help support our community through its 2025 Annual Campaign.

This year’s campaign kicked off with a community pickleball tournament and continues through mid-November. During this two-month window, the United Way aims to raise $1.8 million to help strengthen local safety net services.

As always, every donation made to the United Way will stay in our community. The money raised during the Annual Campaign will be allocated to the United Way’s local partner agencies and their programming that exists to champion children, promote safety and health, fight hunger, foster financial stability and provide safe housing. These critical services serve 1 in 4 people in Hancock County.

“We love our campaign theme, ‘Difference Makers,’” because that’s exactly what our supporters are to those who are assisted by the life-changing services the United Way helps fund,” said Kelley McClurkin, CEO of United Way of Hancock County.

“Whether you are contributing dollars toward our campaign goal, your time as a volunteer or your voice to speak up for a cause that matters, you are making a difference for a vulnerable child, family or individual in our community. No action is too small to make a difference.”

Campaign season incorporates a variety of activities designed to build corporate enthusiasm, provide volunteer engagement and educate the public on the efforts of local nonprofits. Leading the campaign’s efforts are Kirby Overton, dean of the University of Findlay College of Business; and Kelly Wohlgamuth, coordinator of Gifted and English Learner Services at Findlay City Schools.

“United Way of Hancock County truly is one place to give, many ways to help,” said Overton. “This year, our United Way is supporting 19 local programs that are measurably improving people’s lives.”

“Every dollar you give stays in our community to enable critical services that act as a safety net for those who need them most while empowering vulnerable individuals to thrive,” Wohlgamuth added.

Each year, the United Way assembles a campaign cabinet to serve as the key connection between the organization and its corporate partners. This year’s cabinet members include:

• Overton and Wohlgamuth, serving as Campaign chairs.
• Chuck Bills, president of Ohio Logistics, serving as Corporate Division chair.
• Jeff Young, superintendent of the Hancock County Education Services Center, serving as Education Division chair.
• Myron Lewis, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, serving as Health Division chair.
• Karen Worthington, owner of River + Road, serving as Mercantile Division chair.
• Sean Abbott, Hancock County Prosecutor; and Jennie Treece of Findlay Brewing Co., serving as Professional Division co-chairs.
• Jaclynn Hohman, project manager for the City of Findlay, serving as Public Division chair.
• Josh Slough and Britt Knippen, both of Key Realty, serving as FIRE Division co-chairs.
• Cathy Schroll, mayor of the Village of McComb, serving as Rural Division chair.
• Anne Whitman, retired from Premier Bank, serving as Retiree/Independent Division chair.
• Elizabeth Babcock, supply chain business analyst with Marathon Petroleum Corp., serving as Youth Division chair.

Visit www.uwhancock.org to learn more or to donate to the campaign.