William Penn Life, 2000 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-08-01 / 8. szám
Charitable United Way Hungary A resource for Hungarians in need LIKE MANY HUNGARIANS, THE residents of the small northern town of Pecel await the prosperity promised by their country's long, arduous transition to a market-driven economy. Pecel is fortunate, however. It boasts a full-service community center where the unemployed can learn a trade making rugs out of rags, where the hungry can get a meal, where the homeless can receive clothing, and where local youth can participate in sports programs. All thanks to the United Way. All of us are familiar with the United Way and the charitable and benevolent work its affiliated agencies perform in our local communities. But, what many of our members don't know is that the United Way has been providing similar services in Hungary since 1991. In Hungary, it is known as Erőforrás Alapítvány, which means "resource foundation". The United Way network in Hungary includes affiliates in seven regions in the country. Each affiliate aims to solve problems of its local community by relying on local donations and volunteers. The affiliates support social, health care and prevention services and conduct educational and training programs-all adjusted to local needs. Affiliates grant funds only to organizations which present feasible proposals and exhibit the ability to manage funds effectively. Operating costs are kept low by hiring only a few professionals and relying extensively on volunteers. Erőforrás Alapítvány, as its name implies, acts as a resource center for the affiliates. From its offices in Budapest, Erőforrás coordinates the activities of the affiliates, conducts fundraising at the national level and offers training programs for affiliate personnel. As in the United States, much of United Way Hungary's funds come from company donations and workplace giving programs. Of the nearly 23.5 million forints (roughly $85,000) raised by Erőforrás at the national level in 1999, more than 9.7 million forints was raised through corporate donations and workplace giving. Local affiliates raised another 12.5 million forints last year. These funds support programs like the community center in Pecel, programs which meet a range of basic needs. Local programs support families facing economic difficulties Charity Links To learn more about United Way Hungary and how you can help, contact: 0 Erőforrás Alapítvány H-l 133 Budapest Pozsonyi út 54.V/I Phone: 011-36-1-320-8110 www.eroforras.hu or health problems. Recently, affiliates have begun focusing efforts on helping families with chronically ill or disabled children. Much emphasis is also being placed on programs which teach practical skills and provide specific job training. Other programs mentor youth and help to ensure the welfare of children. While the affiliates assist local residents to meet the needs of everyday life, Erőforrás has extended its helping hand at times of disaster. Last year, for instance, Erőforrás raised 13.7 million forints to alleviate flood damage, including the restoration of a kindergarten in the village of Tiszatelek and the rebuilding of five homes. H\l>|,| Ensure your spot on Santa's nice' list Make a donation to the WPA's Operation Christmas Child Campaign Make this Christmas brighter for children living in crisis situations around the world. All you need to do is either: I) fill an old shoe box with things such as small toys, personal items, school supplies and items of clothing: 2) donate such items which we can pack in shoe boxes: or 3) donate money which we can use to buy items (make checks payable to “William Penn Association”). All donations must be received at the Home Office by Sept. IS. ! For more information on how to prepare your shoe box, please see our March 2000 issue, or call the Home Office toll-free at 1-800-848-7366. William I’m Life, August 2000 3
