Eaton helping United Way hit 2010 goal

Van Wert independent/United Way information

When employees at Eaton Corporation heard that the United Way of Van Wert County was short of its campaign goal by $30,000 they took matters into their own hands, deciding to run a “mini-campaign” to see if they could push United Way to its goal.

Anita Carvajal and Kathy Motycka, United Way board members and employees of Eaton, approached local Eaton Plant Manager Carey Welker on how the company could help.

“Carey was very receptive and thought it was a good idea to do another internal campaign to see what could be raised,” said Carvajal. “Eaton is offering t-shirts to all those employees who contribute $32 or more. We also put a tree up in the hallways to recognize the people who have made an extra contribution.

“The United Way agencies and their programs are so important to our community; you never know when you might be the one who needs a service,” she added. “With government cutbacks at the state and federal level some of the agencies have already seen reductions in funding. If United Way can’t meet the needs then some programs might not be able to continue.”

Carvajal said Eaton employees are also challenging other local industries, businesses, and individuals to help United Way reach its goal.

“Eaton Corporation and their employees have always been very generous to the United Way,” said Meghan Dicke, 2010 campaign chair. “Sandy Cutler, CEO of Eaton, is also a supporter and every year encourages all Eaton employees to give generously to the annual campaign. When we have the CEO or a plant manager of a company who leads by example, it really makes a difference on how the employees respond to the campaign.”

Dicke said local United Way officials are very appreciative of Eaton for undertaking this task and encourage others to do so, too.

Area residents who have not yet contributed are asked to consider doing so today and “March United Way to the Top.”