Coming off of the momentum of the 2019 United Way of Richland County campaign, Mansfield City Schools was excited to engage with staff again on behalf of students and families. The district raised over $14,000 through January. This is an increase from the 2019 amount of $9,754, far surpassing the 2020 goal of $10,000.
“I can’t thank the staff and the leadership enough for their support of our organization,” said Dan Varn, Executive Director of United Way of Richland County. “The strength of the United Way is when we come together,” he added, noting that over 100 MCS staff members participated.
Each year, the staff at MCS are asked to contribute to the campaign to support programs and services that directly enhance life for MCS students and families. Staff can choose from various areas of giving including health services, youth development and family engagement.
“Their support is going to allow us to do so many important things to impact the community,” Varn said. Many of the agencies who work with students and families at MCS are funded by United Way of Richland County.
Organizations like Third Street Clinic, Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County and Harmony House Homeless Center have provided guidance and resources as needed.
While United Way of Richland County will not announce official awards and amounts until later in the year, MCS created their own United Way Tyger Awards. Woodland Elementary won the Best Staff Participation award, which it also held last year. Prospect Elementary gladly accepted the “Small But Mighty” award for the large donation that came from their building despite their smaller population. For their efforts, each building was given a Tyger to display in their building, along with coffee and breakfast. Superintendent Stan Jefferson, Dr. Holly Christie and Cathy Troyer made visits to each school and to personally thank them for their dedication to the families of MCS.