United Way, local company launch mobile app

WASILLA — Thanks to a local cell phone application developer, donating to and getting information from United Way of the Mat-Su just got easier for philanthropists on the go.

In a press release issued Friday, United Way announced its first mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android platforms.

“Virtually everyone has a smart phone these days and we want to be able to provide information and resources … right at your fingertips,” said executive director Stephanie Allen in the release.

Like the organization’s website, the app includes tabs for giving, advocacy and volunteer opportunities, as well as pictures, videos, event listings and additional resources. A 70-plus-page booklet of referral information for those in need is also viewable and printable from the app’s Resource Guide tab.

United Way Development Director Chelsea Fields said the organization receives many calls regarding the resource guide, with potential clients requesting hard copies of the document. With the mobile app, users will be able to view the guide on-the-go and print it at home if they choose, saving United Way a significant chunk of change (each booklet costs $5-6, she said).

“(The app) streamlines some of those costs for us,” Fields said.

The app is the creation of Kathy Mitchell-Sayer, owner of Aurora Mobile Apps in downtown Palmer. Radio listeners might know Mitchell-Sayer as the morning deejay at Country Legends radio station.

After two years in business at Aurora Mobile, Mitchell-Sayer is now preparing to launch her 20^th app for a local business (her first was for Knik Glacier Tours in 2013). She said she’s gained a lot of “technological know-how” over the years, and the Palmer resident is happy to use it for the good of the community.

“I live and work here, and I definitely want to serve the Mat-Su, so that’s what we’re trying to do,” she said.

She said Aurora Mobile will continue to work with United Way (and other businesses) on the recently developed app.

“It’s alive — you keep adding to it and keep going,” she said. “If you just put something out and leave it, how are you going to entice people to open it and keep coming back to it?”

Search for “United Way Mat-Su” in any app store on any smart phone to download.

Aurora Mobile Apps is located at 308 E. Dahlia Ave., about a quarter mile from United Way of Mat-Su, which is at 550 S. Alaska St. #205 (above Turkey Red) in Palmer.

Learn more about United Way of Mat-Su through its new app, unitedwaymatsu.org, or by calling 373-5807.

Contact reporter Caitlin Skvorc at 352-2266 or caitlin.skvorc@frontiersman.com.