By: Mackenzie Taylor, Social Media Producer

Oxford, Miss. -- This week United Way of Oxford celebrated their national kick off campaign.

United way of Oxford held their annual 2021 campaign luncheon on Wednesday to honor the organizations that helped give back to the community through their time, resources and talents.

Many attendees, community organizations and sponsors such as Ole Miss Athletics and City of Oxford have all aided United Way in making a massive impact to help and address the communities most complex challenges.

United Way executive director Kurt Brumett expressed his gratitude and emphasized no single organization can do this alone.

“The people that give their time, talents, or give the resources to make an impact are the real reason United Way is able to make an impact,” Brumett said. 

United Way of Oxford has been able to invest over 200,000 dollars into the community just this year.

United way has also been able to grant money to over 20 organizations serving Oxford and Lafayette county this year.

One of the funded organizations able to make a difference in the community is the LOU reads coalition. 

Coordinator of LOU reads, Cara Buffington explained how students and teachers benefit from their partnership with United Way.

“We provide supplies, resources for teachers and students,” Buffington said. “The United Way has been a huge supporter for us in that”. 

United way will continue to serve the community with these programs this year and on to 2022.

This story was initially reported by NewsWatch correspondent Annabelle Kinney.

United Way Hosts Annual 2021 Luncheon