United we stand: Same spirit will take care of Wayne County's own

This message is for all those out there who are part of the community effort that raises more than $700,000 for cancer research as part of the Wayne County Relay for Life team.

What makes your efforts special is that you don't think about yourselves. You brave the rain, sometimes, and the long night always to help find a cure to save the lives of people you might never even meet.

It is part of what makes that event so poignant and heart-warming every year.

Wayne County's families need your help with that same kind of effort right now.

The United Way of Wayne County kicked off its 2008 campaign Tuesday with the annual Taste of Wayne event. Even with temperatures hitting 100 degrees, residents gathered to share a little food and to plan for another successful year.

The United Way has shifted its tone a bit. This year's theme: "United Wayne" is just a piece of the grassroots efforts that unites people from all walks of life in taking care of our own.

You might be surprised how many lives are touched by agencies that are funded in part through the United Way each year -- and how many names you might recognize.

There are parents, children and senior citizens who receive services and others who have somewhere to turn when there is an emergency.

There are hospital patients whose lives are saved because of the work of the United Way's member agencies and children who can find somewhere to go after school -- all because of your donations.

And all the money stays right here at home.

The United Way's effort this year is very much a community united in the pursuit of better lives for residents of all ages, races and socio-economic status. It is your chance to be a part of changing lives right here at home.

So, if you can, join the effort with the same spirit you decorate your booths and raise funds for cancer research.

You showed us all -- and the rest of the country -- what people with big hearts and even stronger spirits can do.

We need you to be a part of the United Way's effort this year. Join us in changing even more lives.

We could use your input and your help to make this campaign one of the most successful. There is no question -- we can't do it without our community

To join the United Way's 2008 effort or to learn more about it, call campaign chairman David Perry of Goldsboro Builders Supply or the United Way office at 735-3591.

Published in Editorials on August 6, 2008 11:15 AM