Touching lives: United Way presses ahead with local needs

It is easy to forget about those who need you at home when there is so much suffering so far away.

And although the efforts to assist the residents of Mississippi and Louisiana are a tribute to the caring nature of this community, there are other responsibilities we have right here in Wayne County.

The United Way is in the middle of its annual campaign. And although organizers say the Katrina effort has not affected donations significantly this year, it is important for us to remember that there are plenty of people who are depending on donations to this worthwhile organization to get the help they need.

The United Way helps agencies of all sorts provide services for people who might have nowhere else to turn. From children to senior citizens, it is hard to find lives that have not been touched in some way by a United Way agency.

Giving to the United Way allows us to send money that can be used where the need is the greatest. And, we can also rest assured that the professionals and volunteers who make up the charity’s board and campaign crew are watching to make sure those dollars are used properly and efficiently.

An agency must meet strict standards to be part of the United Way family, and that is how it should be.

There are many other organizations that are counting on local support to do their jobs this year. So, while we should continue as a community to support the victims of Katrina and Rita, there are people at home who need us, too.

It is nice to have the problem of having a community of people whose hearts are big enough to take care of strangers and neighbors. And, knowing Wayne County, we probably will find a way to do both, well.

Published in Editorials on September 29, 2005 10:31 AM