After news spread about a burglary in the United Way office building the weekend of January 6th, various organizations and businesses have generously offered their support.

United Way received 28 Dell Optiplex GX270 PCs from Entergy, one of United Way’s prominent corporate contributors, who also recently donated $1 million to the organization through its 2006-2007 Campaign. 

Entergy normally sells surplus computers to a contractor to be stripped and resold, coincidently, a block of surplus computers became available shortly after the burglary.

“We learned about the theft on the news and were concerned about the potential impact that the theft might have on United Way’s efforts to serve the community.  That’s when we decided to offer these computers to United Way,” said Patty Riddlebarger, Entergy’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility.

“United Way, its staff and member agencies have been on the front lines ever since Katrina struck and they continue to play a huge role in the recovery efforts of the city.  They have allowed nothing to get in the way of delivering services to those in need.  Through the donation of these computers, we at Entergy are proud to step in and help.

Leon Dupont, Information Systems Specialist at Valero Refinery presents Randy Rivault, MIS Specialist with United Way, with 15 computers generously donated by Valero Refinery.

United Way also received 10 computers from Omni Bank, 15 computers from Valero Refinery, and another 15 from United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast in Houston.

“We’ve been partners with United Way for a long time. We’re eager to step up to the plate and help out when [United Way] has been victimized by something like this,” said Todd Murphy, Senior Vice President of Omni Bank. “We have 100% employee participation in our United Way campaign, and if there is anything else we can do, we are more than willing to help.”

“When we heard about the incident at United Way, we felt the need to help out. We are honored to be able to extend a helping hand by presenting this in-kind donation.” Ron Guillory, Director of Human Resources and Public Affairs at Valero St. Charles Refinery.

Whether it be disasters or thieves, United Way is dedicated to doing its job to meet the needs of the community, and with the help from concerned citizens and local corporations and organizations, United Way can continue to work towards an independent and self-sufficient New Orleans community.

For more information or ways to give to your local United Way, please visit www.unitedwaynola.org.