Donations to United Way Dwindle, Yet Community Needs in Oxford Remain High

Amidst a challenging funding landscape, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County is grappling with a steady decline in charitable donations. This downward trend has started to impact many local initiatives, especially those focused on child welfare and education.

Local Projects Under Stress

Programs such as the Leap Frog Program, a nonprofit literacy initiative dedicated to bolstering the reading abilities of students in Oxford, have borne the brunt of this funding shortage. Leap Frog, in particular, plays a crucial role in equipping children to pass the state-mandated third-grade reading test, a prerequisite for progression to the fourth grade.

“Passing the third-grade reading test is a significant milestone for our students. It is a requirement they must fulfill at the state level before they can progress to the fourth grade,” said Whitney Sweeney, Director of the Leap Frog Program.

The Reason Behind the Drop in Donations

The fall in donations has been largely attributed to a recent shift in tax laws which effectively doubled the standard deduction. Kurt Brummett, Director of the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County, explains that a considerable section of the community, who once relied on charitable donations as a way to offset tax burdens, has ceased doing so. The increase in the standard deduction has somewhat disincentivized giving.

However, the pressing needs of the community should provide enough incentive for continued generosity, argues Sweeney, as she shares a heartwarming success story of a student who, initially resistant to reading, eventually achieved his literacy goals.

A Call to Action: The 2023-2024 Campaign

The United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County is currently in the midst of its 2023-2024 fundraising campaign, emphasizing the critical role community donations play in sustaining and enhancing local projects such as Leap Frog. These initiatives span various vital sectors including health, education, basic needs, and financial stability.

Those wishing to contribute can make their donations online at the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County website , through Venmo @UWOxfordMS, or via mail or in-person at 440 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 5, Oxford, MS 38655.

Looking Forward

As the funding climate continues to evolve, the tireless efforts of organizations such as United Way, and the programs they assist, highlight the profound impact of community generosity. In tackling pressing local needs, these initiatives not only enrich the community but also foster positive, long-lasting changes, one donation at a time.