Orangeburg County School District Campaign Challenge

Let's join forces with United Way to strengthen our community. Give today and help provide programs and services to local individuals and families who need it most.

Give Today

$921 pledged toward our $25,000 goal (updated daily)

Support Our Community

United Way of the Midlands serves a vital role in the community. They bring together businesses, volunteers, government services and other nonprofits to address large-scale issues as well as emergencies, like the coronavirus pandemic.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, United Way mobilized immediately, serving those in need due to closed schools, shuttered workplaces and overwhelmed hospitals. They continue to safely bridge gaps caused by COVID-19. Here are just a few ways your gift makes a difference.

Helping Those Most in Need

  1. Helping Children Read

    United Way's Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC) is a tutoring program that helps pre-K to 2nd-grade students improve their reading proficiency. Last year's volunteers tutored 691 kids in 27 different schools. This school year, we’re adapting our work by offering virtual tutors and guest readers. 

    A strong foundation of reading greatly impacts a child’s success in school and beyond. We've offered a library of literacy services including one-to-one tutoring, book donations, book nooks, parent engagement events, guest reading opportunities for individuals and companies and summer reading camps. 

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  2. Reducing Homelessness

    United Way serves the 1,500 people experiencing homelessness in our community. In fact, United Way and partners have reduced homelessness by 40% since 2013. COVID-19 created a surge in demand for these services, and we're doing everything we can to follow health guidelines and support those most in need.

    When people don't have their basic needs met, it's difficult for them to plan for the future. Our goal has always been to help them get back on their feet so they can thrive by fighting homelessness, funding emergency shelters and helping low-income families file income taxes.

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  3. Providing Healthcare

    United Way started offering dental and vision care to those in need in 2016. The result? Five times as many people are being served and a 50 percent reduction in emergency room dental visits. Currently, our clinics are at full capacity with procedures in place to screen patients and maintain a safe environment.
     

    A few years ago, United Way of the Midlands was serving hundreds of people over the course of one weekend, once a year at SC Mission. With the help of our partners, we've recognized that the smart way to address access to critical dental and vision care was to band together and provide services five days a week.

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Campaign Kick off video 

Didn't get to tune in to our virtual kick off? Click the link below to watch our video and hear from members of the OCSD team on why you should participate in the We Are One. We Are United campaign, and learn more about how you can make an impact in the Midlands community. 

Watch Here! 

Jeans Day Passes

Any District employee who gives $25 will be allowed three Jeans Day Passes to be used during the 2021 - 2022 school year.

Message From Dr. Shawn D. Foster

I encourage you to join me in giving to those in need through our United Way workplace campaign. United Way plays a vital role in our community—filling gaps, tackling emergent needs, and taking on longstanding challenges like child literacy and homelessness. Let's rally together to make life better for everyone in the Midlands.

Workplace campaigns like ours give United Way the resources they need to touch more lives in the community. When you give to them, know that your money stays in the Midlands, serving Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. It's a great way to support multiple causes, knowing that your money is used efficiently and where it's needed most. 

I know we're up to the challenge to give back and give big. I'd like to extend a special thanks to our campaign team who is leading this effort, ensuring it's fun and fulfilling for all of you. I'm proud to work with so many people who care deeply, not only about our work but also about our community. It’s what makes us great leaders and partners. Join me in supporting the mission of United Way of the Midlands in whatever capacity you can. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Shawn Foster

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Give Today

Recognizing Our Top Contributing Teams

Which school or department will come out on top? Check back daily to see if you're in the top 3!

  • First Place
  • Second Place
  • Third Place
  • Elloree Elementary School
  • Lake Marion High School
  • Brookdale Elementary

Volunteer Opportunities

Together, we can improve the lives of millions of people, because we are more than just fund-raisers. We are hand-raisers. Sign up to help.

Ready to Make Your Contribution?

Together, we can improve the lives of thousands of people, because we are more than just fund-raisers. We are hand-raisers. Ready to make your contribution through the digital platform, but want some extra help? Check out this step-by-step walkthrough to help you make your contribution. If you want to make a cash or check contribution? Download the fillable PDF form below and turn it in to your school's ambassador. Not sure who your ambassador is? Check the ambassador list below to find your ambassador.

Groups & Giving Levels

Deepen Your Engagement

Check out our engagement network and leadership giving societies. We offer ways to donate, serve and get involved for all ages, stages, and giving levels. Give generously, make new friends, expand your network, and help those in need.

Always United
Women in Philanthropy
Young Leaders Society
Giving Recognition Levels

Your Gift Matters

$150 Buys Eye Exams and Glasses for 3 Uninsured Patients

$500 Buys School Supply Packages for 50 Students

$20 Provides Shelter and Case Management to Someone Experiencing Homelessness

Donate Today

We do what needs to get done.

Local Help for Local Problems

The United Way has always had a broader mandate to serve the community, which means they're agile enough to address emergency needs like flood relief. And they have the expertise and resources to tackle complex, widespread problems like youth homelessness. Their ability to take on our most important local problems is unmatched.

Our Impact
FAQs
Community Partners

Help Change Lives in the Midlands

Giving to United Way is a great way to support multiple causes with one click, knowing that your money will stay right here in the community.