The Newton County United Givers Fund recently held its distribution for the 2022-2023 drive on Wednesday, June 14, at the Newton Historic Depot.
More than 30 different organizations received funding from the drive. The goal of the non-profit organization is to provide a united fundraising drive so that it saves one much hassle for separate collecting drives.
This year’s chairman was Bob Beckley, and the drive chairman was Don Vares. Beckley, who also owns Special Ts in downtown Newton and was plant manager at ESCO for 15 years before retiring, thanked Newton County residents and businesses for joining this year’s drive.
“We would not be able to do this without the support of everyone who donated,” Beckley said. “The United Givers Fund helps organizations all across Newton County. While it has been mostly Newton individuals and businesses who have donated, we encourage everyone in Newton County to give something to help all of these local organizations.”
Vares, who previously served as owner of Zack Garvin’s Steakhouse and a former Newton alderman, said he was happy to give back to the community in this role.
“Newton and Newton County have been great to our family over the years,” Vares said. “We just wanted to give back to the community in this way. The United Givers Fund is a great organization that helps support more than 30 agencies not just in Newton, but across the whole county.”
Agencies receiving donations include Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Newton County 4-H, Newton County Academy Athletic Department, Newton County Band Department, Newton County Athletic Department, Newton School Band, Newton School Athletics, Union School Band, Union School Athletic Department, American Red Cross Key Chapter, Salvation Army, Chunky Volunteer Fire Department, Conehatta Volunteer Fire Department, Decatur Volunteer Fire Department, Duffee Volunteer Fire Department, Gibbstown Volunteer Fire Department, Hickory Volunteer Fire Department, Newton Fire Department, Union Fire Department, Newton Arts Council, Newton Theathre Company, Newton Historical Cultural Commission, Newton Beautification Project , Fellowship of Christian Athletes , Newton Chamber of Commerce, Newton County Youth Organization, Newton County Rural Development Association, Lawrence School Preservation and Newton Parks and Recreation Department.
Those that were not present can pick up their checks at the Newton Chamber of Commerce office during its normal business hours or call 601-683-2201 for more information.
