Amid relentlessly high unemployment and new Census figures showing nearly one in five Arizonans living below the poverty level, Mesa United Way kicked off its 2011-12 pledge campaign on Sept. 28 with a plea for help to those who can. And businesses, organizations and indiviuals throughout the community have responded, according to Linda Haskell, Resource Director for Mesa United Way.

Here are highlights of this year's pledge campaign:

• The East Valley Institute of Technology, a longtime supporter of Mesa United Way, raised nearly $3,000 during its EVIT Expo on Jan. 28. The money was raised by students who competed for the titles of Mister and Miss EVIT.
• Alliant Techsystems Inc. has boosted its pledge by 327 percent over what it raised last year.
• Jackson White Attorneys at Law has increased its pledge amount by 68 percent over last year.
• Empire Southwest, Arizona Regional Medical Center, A New Leaf and several other companies continue with their smart tradition of introducing new employees to Mesa United Way and including a pledge form in their new-hire packet.

"These efforts, and others like them, are just amazing," said Haskell. "People understand the needs in our community are great, and they're responding by digging a little deeper. It's very gratifying."

Last year Arizona’s poverty rate rose to 18.6 percent, well above the national poverty rate of 15.1 percent.

“That figure is alarming," said Dan Wollam, President and CEO of Mesa United Way. "We’ve got people right here in our community who are hurting. That’s why, even though we know that most people are on tight budgets, we’ve bumped up our goal for this year’s campaign.”

The goal for the 2011-12 Mesa United Way pledge campaign is $2,825,000. The total collected during the 2010-11 campaign was $2,680,211. The campaign was launched during a luncheon Sept. 28 for Mesa United Way supporters at the Hilton Phoenix East/Mesa hosted by Boeing and other corporate sponsors.

Mesa United Way’s pledge campaign helps fund 45 programs throughout the community that assist people of all ages with a wide variety of needs. The programs are administered by 27 agencies that must meet a rigorous set of conditions and oversight by Mesa United Way.

Mesa United Way supports a number of youth educational, sports and guidance programs as well as shelters for abused and homeless adults and children. It also helps fund behavioral-health programs and agencies that benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and the homebound elderly.

“There are a number of agencies in our community doing excellent work that are run by dedicated, competent people,” Wollam said. “Mesa United Way helps donors to have the best impact possible by researching, evaluating, and monitoring community service agencies. You can feel confident when you give to Mesa United Way that every dollar will be used to help those in need.”

Mesa United Way’s operating expenses are covered by corporate sponsors and grants.

Donations are tax deductible.