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United Way of Davidson County urges county to reengage employee campaign after donation declines
Summary
United Way of Davidson County told commissioners it has seen a long-term decline in county employee giving and asked county leaders to revive workplace campaigns as community needs grow; United Way provided statistics on calls for help and the county’s ALICE population.
Christie Heggie, president of the United Way of Davidson County, told the Board of Commissioners on June 5 that contributions from county employees have declined sharply over the past decade and asked the county to help relaunch a workplace giving campaign.
Heggie said United Way has invested more than $50 million in local health and human services over the past 30 years, but noted that last year only 88 county employees contributed to the county workplace campaign compared with a much larger number in 2011. She said total campaign contributions have dropped by more than $60,000 annually and warned that demand for services is rising: more than 2,300 county residents called United Way’s 211 line last year seeking help with utilities, housing, shelter and food.
Heggie asked commissioners to renew their partnership with United Way to reengage county staff through workplace outreach including department presentations, raffles and other internal campaign activities that previously drove participation. She also cited ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) research showing that in 2023 roughly 40.1% of Davidson County households — more than 28,000 households — were at or below the ALICE threshold and remain vulnerable to shortfalls in essentials.
Commissioners thanked Heggie and said they would consider ways to encourage employee participation and to publicize United Way programs in county departments.
