Help at home: United Way still needs dollars for annual campaign

There isn’t much more time left to be a part of changing lives right here in Wayne County.

The county’s United Way chapter is only a couple of weeks away from wrapping up its 2005 fundraising campaign.

The money raised will be used by the United Way to fund organizations and programs that help people of all ages, right here at home.

Although the campaign is close to its goal, there are many, many thousands of dollars that still need to be raised to make sure the organization can provide the level of funding necessary to keep offering the services on which so many people in the community depend.

This has been a rather demanding year for those who are generous enough to give.

The devastation caused by the hurricanes across the country, as well as the stories of families struggling to get their lives back together, have touched the hearts of many Wayne County residents.

Their generosity and caring spirit have sent many thousands of dollars to Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida as these states start their cleanup and rebuilding efforts.

Local efforts to help have been inspiring and astonishing, as people from all walks of life gathered to make sure families in those states knew they were not alone.

But now there is work to do back home.

There are many, many families across the county that struggle every day.

They might be battling a health problem that requires expensive medicine or equipment, or be trying to help a child who is struggling with a disability.

Others might have hit a bit of bad luck and might not know where their next meal is coming from or how they are going to pay their heating bills this winter and keep a roof over their heads.

They might need to count on an agency like The Salvation Army, one of the many partners that are funded through the United Way.

And there are other beneficiaries, too. Senior citizens who are homebound can get nutritious meals and some company from Meals on Wheels, while children who have nowhere to go after school can find friends and fun at the Boys & Girls Club.

There is still time to be part of the United Way’s effort.

Call the local chapter and make your pledge.

With a little help from all of us, the United Way can make a difference right here at home.

Published in Editorials on November 15, 2005 12:03 PM