LABELLE -- Lisa Sands, Hendry/Glades Manager for United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee was the guest speaker at Rotary Club of LaBelle on Tuesday, March 16, along with local Rotarian and Hendry/Glades Coordinator for United Way, Greg Gunter.

They updated the group on several in house programs United Way has been doing within our communities such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, 2-1-1 the Information and Referral Program, the United Way Volunteer Center and a newer program heading to Hendry and Glades Counties soon called ReUnite.

The LaBelle United Way House reopened at the end of January and is now open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

An update about the local campaign was also given. COVID-19 has caused a huge impact on the communities. Fundraising, as expected, has been impacted as well. The local United Way campaign for Hendry County is currently at 73% of the $306,620.

“We raise funds through employee payroll deductions from companies that collaborate with us. It is a simple way to give and help the community,” Sands explained.

“We also look for grants that assist our campaign and the programs we support as well as receiving corporate gifts,” she added.

United Way’s local fundraiser, Swing into Spring, is an annual dinner that is hosted in LaBelle each year that also supports the campaign. This year the event is going virtual.

An online auction will be held from April 17 thru April 24. The auction will take place on an online platform but you can tune in to their Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayLHGO.

“We are looking for donations for the auction. This is a great way to support the community and our local United Way.” Sands said.