10-30-2025 11:22pm

United Way of Lamar County Reports Strong Progress in Annual Fall Campaign

Dustin Terry Editor

United Way of Lamar County Reports Strong Progress in Annual Fall Campaign

Dozens of community members, nonprofit representatives, and business leaders gathered Friday morning at the Paris Community Theatre to hear updates on this year’s United Way of Lamar County (UWLC) Fall Campaign.

Before campaign results were shared, members of the Abandoned Black Cemetery Association spoke about the rediscovery and restoration of the historic cemetery at 800 W. Center Street. As part of UWLC’s Day of Action, volunteers will assist with cleanup efforts at the site on Friday, October 31, from 8 a.m. to noon, with breakfast sponsored by the Credit Union of Texas.

Campaign Division Updates

Commercial Division:
Lauren Wilson and Blair Briscoe of Lamar National Bank announced $24,000 raised, while First Federal Community Bank’s Kandace Davidson reported $35,606. Other participating banks included Peoples Bank ($10,000), Farmers Bank ($5,000), and Liberty National Bank ($27,254). The division surpassed its $95,500 goal, reaching $102,190 (107%).

School Division:
Co-chairs Jennifer Ray and Yesica Munguia reported that Paris ISD was just $300 shy of its $23,000 goal. Paris Junior College raised $11,305.68, while North Lamar ISD reported $7,006 toward a $16,000 goal. Overall, the School Division reached 69% of its $59,000 target, totaling $40,899.

Healthcare Division:
Co-chairs Tanya Argo and James Hall announced the division reached 125% of its $50,000 goal, with Paris Regional Health contributing over $48,000 and Paris Orthopedics pledging $5,000.

Industry Division:
Kimberly-Clark raised $16,150 through summer and fall auctions, Turner Industries donated $18,900, and Lamar County and HWH reported $7,000 and $34,586 respectively. The division stands at 53% of its $250,000 goal.

Corporate Gifts and Community Impact

UWLC Executive Director Jenny Wilson recognized major corporate gifts from:

DELCO Trailers – $10,000
Bahena Construction – $15,000
Atmos Energy – $15,000
Cunningham Steel – $5,000
Edward Jones (Stephen Gerrald) – $5,000

With these contributions, the campaign has reached 73% of its $600,000 goal, totaling $439,875 in pledges and donations so far.

Funds raised during this campaign will support 19 local partner agencies in 2026, including the Salvation Army, Downtown Food Pantry, Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, CASA for Kids, and the Paris Community Theatre, among others.

Residents who wish to contribute can donate online at www.lamarcountyuw.org, mail pledges to P.O. Box 1, Paris, TX 75461, or drop off donations at the UWLC office (2340 Lamar Avenue, next to Pickle Printing). All donations remain in Lamar County and are tax-deductible.