Nyack Students: There's Still Time to Enter the 'Voices for 2-1-1' Contest

The second annual “Voices for 2-1-1” contest to create a public service announcement is open to students in Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.

The competition aims to increase awareness of United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline, while offering teenagers the opportunity to further develop their skills and to learn about careers in communications and media. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners and the winning PSAs will be broadcast by 100.7 WHUD.

“Last year, we were very impressed with the submissions, and the students gained valuable insight into what they can expect from a career in the competitive communications industry,” said Alana Sweeny, president and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, multilingual helpline that provides millions of people each year with health and human services information, referrals, crisis support and disaster recovery information.

Governments and taxpayers in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester reap substantial benefits from 2-1-1’s presence that reduces the number of non-emergency calls made to 9-1-1 and helps get people to services before expensive emergency care is needed.

Additional information, last year’s winning videos, rules of entry, and applications are available at www.uwwp.org/voices or by calling 914-997-6700 x720.

Deadline: April 10.

The Westchester shopping mall in White Plains is the awards sponsor, providing first ($100), second ($75) and third ($50) place cash prizes to the winners.

“We are so excited to be the award sponsor this year,” said Paula Kelleher of The Westchester. “It is great to give these students recognition for all of their hard work.”

Here’s last year’s winning Video: