TRUMBULL UNITED WAY Businesses participate in discount card program

More than 25 have already signed up.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The newest program of the United Way of Trumbull County is generating quite a buzz.
"We're getting quite a response from local businesses," explained Chris Malanga, director of communications for the local agency.
More than 25 businesses to date have signed up to participate in the Caring Club program, a national one through United Way.
The Caring Club allows those who donate $120 or more to the United Way of Trumbull County to receive a personalized club card. The card can be used at participating businesses for either a percentage off, a dollar discount or a two-for-one offer.
"I can't imagine that people who receive the Caring Club card can't get that $120 or more back in the discounts provided through the program," Malanga said.
Each participating business will be listed on the card on a first-come, first-served basis, but others will be included in a mailing to card recipients, Malanga noted. Also, the agency's Web site -- www.unitedwaytrumbull.org -- will continuously update the participating businesses, he said.
Local United Way officials decided to initiate the Caring Club program in an effort to bolster the number of first-time givers to United Way. United Way of Trumbull County helps fund more than 29 health and human service agencies throughout the county.
Seeking more
Officials are still soliciting interested businesses to participate, Malanga said. There is no charge to be included on the card, and the benefits include establishing a loyal client base, he noted.
To be included on the card itself, businesses must have their paperwork in by the end of November, Malanga said.
Businesses added after that time, however, will still be included on mailings to card recipients and listed on the Web site.
Caring Club cards will be mailed to eligible donors to the United Way of Trumbull County at the end of January.
All discounts and special offers associated with the card will be good from Feb. 1, 2005, through Jan. 31, 2006.
To date, businesses signed up to participate include restaurants, photography studios, dog groomers, florists and dry cleaners.
"There's a little bit of something for everybody, so far," Malanga said. "Everyone should be able to find at least one discount on the card to make it worth their while."
Businesses interested in participating in the Caring Club program, or residents interested in donating to United Way and becoming a club member, can call the United Way of Trumbull County office at (330) 369-1000 or e-mail info@unitedwaytrumbull.org.
slshaulis@vindy.com