Imagine your car providing thousands of meals to hungry children, or that long-unused gift card in your purse providing a GED scholarship to a person seeking a better life for their family. Such results are now possible due to a new partnership between United Way of South Central Georgia and iDonate.com, a fast-growing company focused on managing in-kind gifts for nonprofits so that the nonprofits can remain focused on service and mission.

“We’re very excited that iDonate and Barry Barbee, their director of donation programs, has selected United Way of South Central Georgia as a trailblazing partner ready to lead the way in developing this new resource development platform,” said Erika Johnson, president of the United Way board of directors.

The launching of this partnership also marks the beginning of 50^th Anniversary activities for the local United Way, which was incorporated on July 25, 1964. Under the name “50 Years of Service – 50 Days of Giving,” United Way of South Central Georgia plans to highlight their history of service to the region while also encouraging residents to underwrite a successful beginning to the next 50 years through this unique giving opportunity.

With 25 asset classes available, residents can give almost anything as an investment in United Way and their community through the iDonate platform. From gift cards to jewelry, old cell phones, tablets or laptops to stock, or almost any kind of motor vehicle, a donor can now support the work of United Way with little more than a few clicks of the mouse.

“In many cases, iDonate will pick up the item directly from the donor,” said Greg Millette, executive director of the local United Way. “By making the process for in-kind donation so quick and easy for both the donor and the nonprofit, iDonate has provided a platform that has the potential to greatly expand our resources for achieving positive community impact.”

“I hope that individuals and businesses will give some thought to what they might give,” said Allison Ray, United Way treasurer. “Maybe they have some jewelry that they no longer wear, or business inventory that hasn’t sold and needs to be cleared, or a rarely-used motorcycle or RV that is taking up space at home. The ’50 Days’ campaign provides an excellent way to clear some space, build the community and receive a tax deduction, all at once.”

The “50 Years of Service – 50 Days of Giving” Campaign will run from March 24 to April 15. Gifts can be made at  https://give.idonate.com/nonprofit-donate/united-way-of-south-central-georgia/, where donors can choose to designate the proceeds towards the general fund or a specific project such as early literacy, homelessness prevention or affordable child care for working parents. The campaign leadership team hopes to gain at least one donation from each of the 25 asset classes during the 50 days of the campaign.

A campaign celebration is being planned for April 12 to feature young local artists under the management of J.J. Jackson.

iDonate.com is a nonprofit in the business of helping other nonprofits achieve their full potential through the ability to access non-cash donations without diverting attention from their mission.

United Way of South Central Georgia has been committed to building stronger communities for 50 years and is committed to a continued legacy of positive community impact for all area residents through a focus on educational success for children, income stability for families and healthy living for all.

Those wishing to donate to “50 Years of Service – 50 Days of Giving” can visit https://give.idonate.com/nonprofit-donate/united-way-of-south-central-georgia/ or call 229-382-2881 for assistance or with any questions.