What a difference a few days can make. From Sept. 24 through Oct. 5, school employees in Madison worked to raise almost $20,000 for United Way of Madison County.

Employees at the Central Office pose with their "Live United" T-shirts.

“We concluded our campaign by hosting ‘Live United Day’ in Madison City Schools on Oct. 5. Employees wore ‘Live United’ T-shirts,” LaTisha King said. King serves as United Way coordinator for the school system and works as executive assistant to the superintendent and the Madison Board of Education.

“Employees in Madison City Schools donated more than $19,000 to United Way,” King said.

At each building, a representative coordinates United Way activities on each Madison campus. The representatives at elementary schools are Stephanie Nguyen, Columbia; Diana Lipski, Heritage; Jennifer Burgreen, Rainbow; Clarissa Owen, Madison; Shemeaka King, Mill Creek; and Kari Sims, West Madison.

At the middle schools, Matthew Brewer is the representative for Discovery and Carmen Buchanan for Liberty. Nicole Coker handles this volunteer work at Bob Jones High School, and Sherri Shamwell coordinates the effort at James Clemens High School.

LaTisha King and Phoebe Jackson spearhead the United Way effort at Central Office.

“For many millions of hard-working families, the basic ingredients for a good life are increasingly beyond reach. Almost one in four working parents doesn’t earn enough to provide for their families,” United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Brian A. Gallagher said.

“An alarming 25 percent of teenagers will not graduate on time, imperiling their chances to make a successful transition to adulthood,” Gallagher said. “More than 49 million Americans lack even basic health insurance.”

In its goals, United Way is working to promote a movement for creating opportunities “for everyone. We invite you to be a part of it. Visit www.liveunited.org to find out how you or your organization can make a difference,” Gallagher said.

To donate to United Way, call 256-536-0745 or mail a check to United Way of Madison County, 701 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville, AL 35801.

For more information about United Way, call 256-536-0745 or visit uwhsv.org/default.aspx?id=2.