Letter from Aubrey Patterson to Area Businesses
Dear Business Owner:
Looking back through the years, it is easy to see how Northeast Mississippians have pulled together to meet local needs-whether it’s coming to the aid of Hurricane Katrina disaster victims or fellow citizens rallying to get a community on its feet again after a tornado strikes. The economic struggles our neighbors are experiencing today are no different.
Since 1961, United Way of Northeast Mississippi has been providing a community wide safety net of health and human services to provide assistance and resources. In recent months, that safety net has been utilized more than ever and this is why they need our help now…more than ever.
* Now more than ever, because local food pantries are being inundated with requests for food from families who have never before asked for assistance.
* Now more than ever, because record numbers of people are seeking shelter. The Salvation Army’s lodge is full. There are people there sleeping on the floors, because there just isn’t enough space.
BancorpSouth believes we all have a responsibility to the community. One of the ways we fulfill this responsibility is by giving to the United Way. United Way of Northeast Mississippi does what no other organization can, by coordinating the collective strength of more than 20,000 individual donors, 300 local businesses, 65 non-profit partners, and a vast array of community resources. With help from all of us, United Way of Northeast Mississippi is able to deliver services our community needs.
One of United Way’s greatest strengths in the care it takes with your contribution. United Way is a volunteer-driven organization. From setting policy, fund raising, assessing community needs and reviewing agencies to distributing the money raised – local volunteers help keep United Way efficient and effective.
In a time of increased need and decreased resources, your donation is more important than ever. Please consider giving a gift of $500 or more. Please take a moment right now to complete a pledge form. You can mail a check now or we can bill you later. Then return the form to the United Way office.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Aubrey B. Patterson
Past Corporate Gifts Chairman
United Way of Northeast Mississippi
