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UP in the Community

Emergency Funds Aid Struggling Families

November 6, 2009 | 11:25 a.m. CST

Emergency funds were scarce for a Salvation Army in Blair, Neb. Several weeks ago, the organization found itself unable to provide support to residents needing assistance with rent and utilities until its new fiscal year began on Oct. 1.

Brenda Mainwaring, director-Public Affairs, noticed the organization's plea for help in a recent Omaha World-Herald newspaper article, and immediately began working with the Union Pacific Foundation to provide relief.

Mainwaring contacted the group shortly afterward, sharing the good news that UP's Foundation was providing a $1,000 grant to bridge the funding gap. As a result, six families received assistance who otherwise would have suffered.

"With the funds donated by Union Pacific, our service unit can continue to provide assistance to Washington County families who are struggling during these challenging economic times," said Ben Thompson, Salvation Army board member.

UP in the Community highlights ways employees are donating their time and talents to make their communities better places to live and work. Employee organizations, work groups and individuals are invited to submit information on their community-service efforts. Simply provide details by filling out the  UP in the Community form accessible from Story Comments and Ideas on the Employees site homepage.

Employees donating at least 40 hours annually of their personal time to an eligible, nonprofit organization can apply for a $250 donation supporting that organization under Union Pacific's  GivePLUS program.