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United Way surpasses $1.1M campaign goal

By KRISTIN BUEHNER kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

North Iowa Media Group | Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:37 am | (0) Comments

MASON CITY - Officials of United Way of North Central Iowa announced on Friday a successful 2011 fundraising campaign that exceeded its $1.1 million goal with a total raised of $1,152,895.

"Thank you to each and everyone of you for investing in United Way," Larry Elwood, 2011 campaign chairman, told volunteers and supporters.

In a prepared statement, he said, "Many people are in need of United Way-funded services, and due to the generosity of close to 6,000 donors, those needs will be met."

Elwood said the money will be used to help in ways such as reducing child abuse, increasing literacy and "to help our neighbors to get skills so they can get and keep jobs."

The announcement was made at the North Iowa Joint Transit Authority, where United Way representatives presented a check for $22,464 to support the new Saints Shuttle.

The shuttle bus, which begins service Wednesday, Feb. 1, will transport area residents to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics twice a week at a cost of $20 round-trip.

The venture was made possible through a partnership with Region 2 Transit, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Authority.

United Way Chief Professional Officer Jennifer Kammeyer said the shuttle will provide a vital service not just to those in need of access to health services, but also to those wishing to travel between Mason City and Iowa City.

"Also, it's a great opportunity for college students to hop on the bus to come home for the weekend," she said.

Older people who do not like driving home in the dark will also benefit from having someone else do the driving for them, she said.

Kammeyer said efforts are under way to arrange convergence points along the route for North Iowans who live along the Avenue of the Saints to board the shuttle closer to home.

State Sen. Amanda Ragan, D-Mason City, said the shuttle provides a much-needed service for people who cannot access available medical services for lack of transportation.

"It's not about getting from one point to the other," she said. "It's about changing people's lives."

Beginning Feb. 1, the Saints Shuttle will leave from the North Iowa Joint Transit Facility, 525 Sixth St. S.W., at 6 a.m. each Wednesday and Thursday.

It will arrive in Iowa City in time for 10 a.m. hospital appointments.

The shuttle leaves Iowa City between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The shuttle is wheelchair accessible.

Reservations must be scheduled 24 hours in advance by calling Region 2 Transit at 641-423-2262.