Wabash National presents check for $60,900 to United Way of Greater Lafayette thanks to proceeds from suppliers participating in the company's annual charity golf outing. Pictured left to right: Todd Gish, supplier development and quality manager and golf outing coordinator; James Taylor, CEO of United Way of Greater Lafayette; and Dick Giromini, Wabash National Corporation President and CEO.

United Way of Greater Lafayette's annual community campaign is well underway. Each year, more than 300 businesses and 15,000 individuals pledge their support to United Way of Greater Lafayette to make an impact on education, income and health. 

One of the many companies that supports United Way is Wabash National Corporation (WNC). In addition to supporting an employee campaign, WNC hosts an annual golf outing to benefit United Way of Greater Lafayette. Through this event Wabash National raised over $61,000! 

Michele Tyson and the campaign committee at WNC have been busy planning special events and holding employee meetings about United Way. Their hard work created big results. This year, Wabash National Corporation and its associates have pledged $285,000 to United Way of Greater Lafayette! Thanks so much to WNC's employees, suppliers and business associates who made this possible. 

ADVOCATE

Will you help us spread the word about United Way of Greater Lafayette and the work we are doing in Tippecanoe County?  this newsletter with a friend, Like us on Facebook and share the page with your social network, or tell your co-workers and friends why you support United Way of Greater Lafayette. Everyone has a United Way story. What's yours? 

VOLUNTEER

Reading Buddies are needed so the program can continue to grow in Greater Lafayette.

Are you looking for a volunteer project? Consider organizing a Reading Buddies drive at your business, church, or community organization. Reading Buddies are stuffed animals that are provided to second graders. Students read with their buddies for 15 minutes each day, improving their motivation to read. Students also demonstrate improved fluency and self-esteem. 

You can support this program by organizing a Reading Buddy drive! Contact Amy Wood at 742-9077 ext. 222 for more information. 

Read to Succeed kicked off its second year in our three local school systems last month. This year, 400 volunteers are spending one hour each week in ten different schools throughout Tippecanoe County! All volunteers completed training sessions at their schools in September before meeting students in their classrooms. 

United Way of Greater Lafayette staff surveyed volunteers about their early experiences in the program, and they're off to a great start! One volunteer said, "I really enjoy my time in the classroom and find that I wish I could stay longer." Another shared, "My weekly volunteer hour is the best hour of my entire work week!"

Thank you to all of the Read to Succeed volunteers and teachers - you're all making a difference!

INCOME

United Way of Greater Lafayette is already gearing up for tax season! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to low and moderate income families. 

United Way is currently seeking VITA volunteers for the 2013 tax season. Volunteers receive free tax preparation training and certification from the IRS before working with clients. Do you want to make a difference? Volunteer today! 

Join us and Live United! Help us spread the word. Imagine how many people we can reach if you forward this to five people.