People Helping People in Alaska.

• Author: KANE, ROGER

United Way is the second largest source of funds for health and human services agencies in the state.

At the core of United Way of America is an evolving community-building philosophy that is expanding to provide training, technical assistance, consultation and products to United Way volunteers across Alaska.

United Way volunteers are trained to link people in need with agencies that provide assistance with clothing, counseling, food, elder care, housing/rent, medical services, utility payments, rehabilitation and other needs. The United Way has offices serving Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Valdez and Wasilla.

The money those offices raise has become the second largest source of funds for health and human services agencies in Alaska, second only to the state government.

Statewide, United Way charters amassed $10 million last year, with the bulk of those funds donated to health and human services organizations.

Kenai Peninsula United Way

When Alaska Sen. John Torgeson set the Kenai Peninsula United Way's fund-raising goal at $450,000 last year, it seemed a pretty high bar to clear, but the fund-raisers met and exceeded the mark, raising a whopping $464,000.

"We are basically a fundraising vehicle for health and social services agencies," said Evy Gebhardt, executive director of Kenai's United Way Charter. "Through these agencies, we are effective throughout communities. And we rely very, very heavily on volunteers on the peninsula."

That money was pumped right back into the Peninsula, with 27 health and social services agencies between Homer, Hope and Seward serving as the conduit.

Those volunteers raise money for food and shelter for the needy, senior and youth services, as well as crisis intervention and prevention, and health and rehabilitation services.

Gebhardt took over as director of Kenai's United Way in March and said it has been both a positive and eye-opening experience. She is passionate in her desire to help people, especially children.

"You are never going to hear me say 'I hate to ask for money, but ...' because I believe in what I'm doing--I know the money is going to a good cause," Gebhardt said. "I know what money we collect is going to feed a child breakfast or put a roof over someone's head."

While cash supports the agencies the United Way funds, Gebhardt said it's important to realize that money is not all that drives the organization. "Oftentimes, people think that to donate to charity or a nonprofit you have to be wealthy. That's not true. If you have an hour of time, or just the smallest donation, it all helps."

Gebhardt and only one other part-timer staff the Kenai United Way office. She said she is always looking for people who want to be a voice for the United Way. "We could not operate without volunteers."

United Way of Anchorage

For the first and largest charter in Alaska, helping the less fortunate is the name of the game, according to Executive Director Dennis McMillian. Like Kenai's Gebhardt, he said it is important to realize that each gift, no matter how small, is a big help.

Last year the Anchorage United Way raised $8 million, with 74 percent of those monies coming from employee payroll deductions.

"You don't have to be a Rockefeller to be a philanthropist," he said. "Most of the money we raise is from individual gifts, from private individuals."

And he said those small contributions add up in a big way. The...