Local United Ways appeal for help

(A United Way ad provided by Partners+Simons)

Boston ad agency Partners+Simons said it has developed a public service campaign to help United Way organizations in Massachusetts raise money quickly to assist people and families hurt by the slumping economy.

A special emergency public appeal to provide swift financial assistance for basic needs, the campaign involves video, print, radio, and online public service ads, the agency said.

To date, Comcast, The Boston Globe, WCVB-TV, NECN, and WFXT-TV have committed to running the ads, the agency said.

“The goal of the fund is to convince prospective donors to give money now because it’s the fastest way to get money into the hands of people in need this winter,” Tom Simons, head of Partners+Simons, said in a statement. “The United Way is determined to not let nearly a million Massachusetts’ children, families, or individuals who don’t qualify for assistance but can’t make ends meet go hungry, cold, or without shelter this winter due to the rising cost of food, fuel, and housing. We were more than glad to lend our services given our long-standing relationship.”

The agency is working pro bono on the campaign and said that it collaborated with a number of partners that also donated services.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)