POCATELLO — The United Way of Southeastern Idaho’s campaign has kicked off to a good start thanks to donations from local groups throughout the area.

During the UWSEI’s campaign kickoff last Tuesday, Portneuf Health Trust presented a check of $135,000 that will go toward United Way’s Community Giving Campaign, which helps fund health-related programs of local nonprofits throughout Southeastern Idaho.

In addition, both Citizens Community Bank and Idaho Central Credit Union donated $2,500 each in support of these programs that help thousands of people in a seven-county region become healthier and more financially stable.

“We are excited to introduce our United Way of Southeastern Idaho campaign theme for the next two years — Teaming up for Tomorrow 2025,” said Wendi Ames, UWSEI’s director of donor and community engagement. “We are teaming up with powerful partners today to create a healthier, more financially stable and educated Southeastern Idaho tomorrow.”

Some of the nonprofit organizations these funds go toward include Boys & Girls Club of Portneuf Valley, Freedom Landing Zone, Pocatello Free Clinic, after-school programs and more.

Ames explained that last year they raised $430,000 and met 71 percent of their ask, and that with the introduction of a three-year campaign, United Way will be increasing that asking percentage up to 77 percent for 2022 and has set a goal to raise 90 percent by the end of 2025.

Already several businesses and individuals have added to this campaign, with the Simplot Golf Tournament raising $12,000, Peterson Ink raising $5,949, Allstate Giving Campaign raising $7,200, D & S Electrical raising $2,500, and individual donations reaching about $5,000.

“We’re doing really well with the donations that we received today,” Ames said on Tuesday. “We are kicking off the campaign with $175,000 in the pot. It’s such a great feeling to have everyone together.”

For anyone interested in donating to the Community Giving Campaign, contact Ames at wendi@unitedwaysei.org.