For the first time ever, the Baltimore County government will kick off its employees' participation in the Live United campaign benefiting United Way of Central Maryland on Friday with a fall festival.
The festival, called FallFest 2016, which is open to the public, will feature scarecrow making, games and contests, food trucks, vendors, a silent auction, music, and kittens available for adoption. It will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gardens of the Historic Courthouse in Towson, along Washington Avenue, rain or shine Oct. 21.
During the festival, county employees will have the chance to sign up to support United Way by deducting money from their pay checks if they desire, according to county spokeswoman Ellen Kobler.
In the past the county has held a rally to mark the start of the campaign.
"It was just decided this year to make it more of a festival, and to invite the public," Kobler said.
Employees are bringing in items for the events, such as clothing for the scarecrows, Kobler said, adding that the event won't cost the county anything. County employees have supported United Way through donations for more than 30 years, she added.
"They cover a multitude of nonprofit agencies who serve county residents," Kobler said.
United Way is an international organization. The local chapter, United Way of Central Maryland, has two primary goals, according to its website; advance the "building blocks" of basic needs, such as education, housing, employment and health to help low-income families become self sufficient, and to be an efficient and effective fundraiser.
When a person donates to The United Way of Central Maryland they can designate their donation for a certain charity. The United Way distributes money to more than 1,600 nonprofit health and human services agencies each year through designations.
In addition, United Way of Central Maryland offers services such as its 2-1-1 MD United Way Helpline, which connects people in need with resources such as legal and tax assistance, housing assistance, individual and family supports, and utilities and food assistance.