"Together we can!," said Brian Connely, Tamaqua Campaign Chairman, Schuylkill United Way, during a mid-campaign luncheon last week at La Dolce Casa in Tamaqua. "Without all the efforts of the Schuylkill United Way, many of our local agencies wouldn't be able to offer their services to our communities."

Connely added that there are a lot of dedicated United Way volunteers and supporters behind the scenes. In addition, he spoke to the crowd and offered words of encouragement to continue their charge towards the goal in the 2014 "Together We Can" Campaign."It is all about giving back to where we live," said Jeff Wessner, 2014 Campaign Chairman, Schuylkill United Way. "All donations received stay within the communities.""This year's campaign goal is to raise $1,025,000, including the Tamaqua area goal of $125,000," said Kelly Malone, Executive Director, Schuylkill United Way."At the start of our Tamaqua Area campaign, $78,457 is already raised to date," said Connely. "That is approximately 63 percent of our total Tamaqua goal.""Our Schuylkill county campaign has already raised $411,000, which is approximately 40% of the total goal," said William J. Folk III, Director of Community Relations. "Schuylkill United Way also reported that the Pacesetters Club has $230,000 pledged through the Pacesetters Club by 250 members.""To this day, my children and myself are safe because of both the United Way and SWiC," said keynote speaker Tina Cluff talked about how funds from the United Way helped her to receive caring services from the Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWiC). "On behalf of the 1,300 women, men, and children who receive help from the SWiC, thank you!"In addition to short talks from board members and a guest speaker, guests to the luncheon were shown a campaign video showing all the supported agencies helped by the Schuylkill United Way. Each agency representative in the video said," Together we can."Tom Cara, board member, Tamaqua campaign, also spoke about the importance of employers getting involved. To sign up for an employee presentation, he said to call the Schuylkill United Way office at (570) 622-6421 to schedule the visit. For more information about the 2014 "Together We Can" Campaign or to view their local-themed promotion video, visit their website at

www.schuylkillunitedway.org."Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much," said Malone, quoting Helen Keller.