Lake County Public Library contributes $6700 to United Way Northwest Indiana’s ‘Wicked’-ly incredible services

Following the completion of its annual campaign to raise funding in the community, the Lake County Public Library presented United Way Northwest Indiana with a check for $6,706.75. The money will be used to support United Way Northwest Indiana’s mission of creating healthy, resilient, and financially stable communities through its programming and services.

This donation is the result of the library’s workplace giving campaign, an annual fundraising campaign the library puts on in support of United Way Northwest Indiana. This year’s campaign, a “Wicked & Wizard of Oz” themed fundraiser, marks nearly two decades of donations from the library.

“We have all our staff come to our main building, and for the first few hours we have an employee benefits fair, and then we play employee games with all of the money going to United Way Northwest Indiana,” Greg Madouros, Lake County Public Library director of human resources, said. “This year’s theme was ‘Wicked & Wizard of Oz,’ and things like that get employees excited to contribute.”

The theme was completed with employee costumes, decorations, and games like guessing how many golden bricks could fit in a jar. Madouros and his team also collected donations from local businesses to create raffle baskets. Employees were able to purchase tickets with either flat donations to United Way Northwest Indiana or through payroll deductions.

The Lake County Public Library has also played host to several United Way Northwest Indiana events like the organization’s First Time Homebuyers Fair. The library also plays an important role in getting the word out about United Way Northwest Indiana’s programming. Working for the library, Madouros and his team get to meet with the community firsthand and learn about their needs.

“Donating to United Way Northwest Indiana, besides helping the community, helps our coworkers,” he said. “Ever since I started at the library, we’ve done the annual workplace campaign. I’m glad that the library has allowed me to continue doing this because I really enjoy it. Over the past 18 years and campaigns I’ve been involved with, we have raised around $145,000, so our employees want to give back to the community and to their coworkers who use United Way Northwest Indiana programs and resources. I look forward every year to getting what the community needs through United Way Northwest Indiana.”

Workplace campaigns are at the heart of United Way Northwest Indiana’s work. Serving Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Starke counties requires strong collaboration with local businesses and organizations, and these campaigns offer an easy, effective way to mobilize employees in support of their communities. Through workplace giving, more households are able to access the services and resources United Way Northwest Indiana provides.  

“Workplace campaigns are actually how United Way began. From waiting outside the pay window at a factory during a pandemic to what it is today, they’ve always been about working people helping working people,” United Way Northwest Indiana Vice President of Development Kristina Fry said. “Most workplace campaigns are simply small payroll deductions over time. It all adds up; even $5 a pay period from one staff member can help stabilize a family by being able to, access resources, and move forward.”

Fry holds the library in special regard both for the important role it plays in the community and the success of its annual campaign every year. It’s partners like the library that help make United Way Northwest Indiana’s programming possible.

“Staying on theme, there’s no place like home, and the library is home to more than just books. They have their finger on the pulse of the community,” Fry said. “Greg and his team run a flawless campaign from start to finish. I even plan to have him speak to our other workplace partners to share exactly what he does from the planning to the themes, to the motivational activities.”

Madouros emphasized that beyond the more recognized functions of the library is a community hub accessible and available for everyone.

“Libraries are not just about books,” he said. “We have computers, we have programming, we have physical and digital resources. We see the diversity of our communities and the challenges they experience. That’s why spotlighting United Way Northwest Indiana’s programming and resources is very important.”

Interested in starting your own workplace campaign? Check out United Way Northwest Indiana’s campaign toolkit or get in touch at 219-464-3583 to learn more.