Want to help support United Way? Join the club

All offers on the Caring Club card are good for one full year.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Even those who can only afford to give a little can get a lot in return.
The United Way of Trumbull County's Caring Club program is under way, with several businesses throughout the county signing on to provide benefits.
"We have 16 businesses so far," said Chris Malanga, director of communications for the local agency. "We have everything from restaurants to bowling alleys."
The Caring Club is a national program through United Way, though not every agency is yet participating. In the Mahoning and Shenango valleys, Trumbull County is the only agency using the program.
Caring Club allows residents who donate at least $120 to United Way 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.
Businesses
Malanga noted that businesses already involved in the program are scattered throughout the county. Some come from Hubbard, others are in Niles and some are in Warren. As the list continues to grow, the businesses and their offers will be updated on the agency's Web site, www.unitedwaytrumbull.org.
Also on the local card, Malanga said, is a deal from Hallmark Flowers, a national company.
"Because of our association with other Caring Clubs, we have a deal with them where club members will be able to order by phone or the Internet and get a discount," he said.
United Way of Trumbull County is also looking to the 29 health and human service agencies supported by the organization for any discounts or special programs they may be able to provide to card holders, Malanga added.
Gaining donors
Local United Way officials opted to participate in the Caring Club program for the first time this year as a means of gaining new donors and encouraging current donors to go to the next level of giving.
"It works out to $10 a month, or $2.31 a week," Malanga said. "It's really only a little bit of money to give. And those who are in the Caring Club will get back a lot more than that in the discounts provided.
"Plus, they will be helping so many of their friends and neighbors by supporting United Way," he continued.
If the pilot year is deemed a success, Malanga said, United Way officials hope to make the club an annual event.
Locally, Caring Club cards will be mailed to eligible donors at the end of January, and all discounts and special offers associated with the card will be good from Feb. 1, 2005, through Jan. 31, 2006.
Letter
In addition to the card, recipients will receive a letter listing all participating businesses and their offers. That information will also be regularly updated on the United Way of Trumbull County Web site.
Businesses interested in participating in the Caring Club program, or local residents interested in donating to United Way and becoming a club member, can call the local United Way office at (330) 369-1000 or e-mail info@unitedwaytrumbull.org.
slshaulis@vindy.com