Every day NYSUT members improve the lives of students, patients, their families and communities. They are also instrumental in supporting groups that do good. As volunteers and donors in organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, American Cancer Society and Special Olympics, their contributions have great impact.
For example, the generosity of NYSUT members means $32.8 million annually to local United Way chapters across the state, noted Susan Hager, president of the United Way of New York State. "Those funds support education programs and initiatives to enhance school success in early childhood, school readiness, services for school age children and literacy." United Way agencies also benefit in other ways, Hager said. "NYSUT members are also key members of local and state United Way boards and committees — lending their expertise to a wide range of issues and challenges."
Given the tough economic times, NYSUT members are being called on to do even more.
If you have not made your holiday contributions yet, please consider giving to the NYSUT-affiliated groups listed above. Also, the NYSUT Disaster Relief and Scholarship Fund is in need of donations to provide direct aid to flood victims. Since its creation in 1998, the NYSUT fund has donated more than $830,000 to charitable organizations assisting disaster victims and to individual members in need. The need is especially great now as a result of the devastating floods this summer.
To contribute to the union's efforts, make checks payable to the NYSUT Disaster Relief and Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity, and send them to NYSUT headquarters, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110, Attention: Accounting Department. Note "flood relief" if you want to earmark your donation.
— Betsy Sandberg