Since 1953 our local United Way, its participating agencies, and countless concerned citizens have served as a family giving hope, opportunity, and support to thousands of our friends and neighbors. Your financial commitment and volunteer support is the heart of United Way, and is vital to help us "build a more caring community." Please take the time to learn how you can make a difference in the community and get to know our staff.

Mission statement

To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another by promoting volunteerism; identifying local health and human care needs; and raising and allocating funds to help people throughout Klamath Country.

What we do

The United Way of the Klamath Basin is a traditional community and family focused non-profit organization driven largely by volunteers dedicated to improve the lives of people of all ages living throughout the Klamath Basin. United Way conducts a community fund raising campaign each fall, and distributes the majority of these funds among 18 vital local agencies. These member agencies provide a wide variety of services to more than 20,000 people annually.

History
The United Way system of having one community fund drive to financially support a variety of local agency services started in 1887 in Denver, Colorado organized by four local clergymen. Today, more than 1,300 independent United Way chapters operate in the United States; raise a collective annual total of $3.5 billion; and serve millions of Americans.

Every United Way chapter is locally governed by volunteers and exists only because of the financial contributions made by local citizens, businesses, and corporations. United Way of America, formed in 1970 and located in Alexandria, Virginia is the national organization or federation. It provides a variety of benefits and services to its local affiliates. Each local United Way organization pays its national office an annual membership fee or dues amounting to less than one percent of the total dollars raised in their annual community fund drive.

During the late 1940's in Klamath County, the Oregon Community Chest, the Red Cross, and many other organizations all campaigned simultaneously for community support. On May 26, 1953 the United Fund of Klamath County was formed to raise funds to support six local agencies (Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, the Salvation Army and the YMCA. The first United Way President was L. Ernest Taylor, and the 1953 campaign exceeded its goal raising $109,563.

"Guard we must the contributor's trust," initiated as a marketing theme in the early 70's, remains today as a guiding principle of the United Way. The United Way of the Klamath Basin is audited annually by the accounting firm of Rookstool & Alter and maintains the highest standards of excellence and public accountability.

How to help

Make a contribution. All contributions to United Way are tax deductible and are accepted year-round. Acknowledgement letters are sent for cash gifts of $250 or more. Gifts of cash, stocks, or other appreciated assets are welcome. Gifts of real estate are subject to United Way board approval. Memorial gifts and planned gifts are also encouraged.

Volunteer

Volunteers are always welcome. Please refer to the Volunteer Center Community Wide listings for details on volunteer opportunities. According to the National Points of Light Foundation more than 56 percent of all Americans volunteer an average of 3.5 hours per week.

Staff Members

Leroy Cabral Candace Anderson Barbara Nordquist

Executive Director Office Manager Administrative Assistant

The United Way of the Klamath Basin Board of Directors consists of approximately 40 members of the community. The board meets eight times per year generally on the fourth Monday of the month at 12 noon. The current president is Dianne Spires, CPA.

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