United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently celebrated the first year anniversary of Salisbury University’s Student United Way. In Spring of 2013, United Way and Salisbury University partnered to establish the first Student United Way in Maryland to join over 100 University Student United Way’s across the United States. With the direction of Salisbury University BEACON Director, Dr. Memo Diriker, SU Alumni and United Way intern, Morgan Hoey, and Student United Way’s first President, Jeannine Baumgartner, the Student United Way began with 50 charter members.
Salisbury University’s Student United Way provides students the opportunity to give, advocate and volunteer in the local community in order to better the lives of Eastern Shore residents in need. Highlights of the 2013-2014 year include educational tours of United Way agencies, serving as United Way advocates on campus and in the community and volunteer projects including United Way Young Leaders Valentine’s Carnival, MAC Inc.’s “St. Paddy’s Day 5K”, Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl for Kid’s Sake” and a wheelchair ramp build through Chesapeake Housing Mission for a local resident in need. In March, Salisbury University’s Student United Way was also represented in Southeast Mississippi where member Aaron Coles participated in the United Way Alternative Spring Break experience to help construct a Boys and Girls Club building in a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Student United Way members are eager for the Fall semester and to continue impacting the community in a meaningful and positive way. Incoming 2014-2015 Student United Way President, Kyle Eskridge shared, “The volunteerism experienced with Student United Way has been truly rewarding and will have a lasting impact in the community. I’m looking forward to the future of this organization and continuing to help our neighbors in need.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 70th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 56 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore helps Eastern Shore residents achieve educational success, income stability and good health. In 2013, United Way impacted local lives by providing over $1 million to community programs and helped over 70,000 individuals. To learn more about United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore visit www.unitedway4us.org or call 410-742-5143.
Photo Caption- Student United Way Celebrates First Year of Community Impact
Salisbury University’s Student United Way recently teamed up with Chesapeake Housing Mission to help build a wheelchair ramp for a community member in need. Pictured are (L-R) Amanda Brady, Sylvia Aklikokou, Kyle Eskridge and Se Hong.
