The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Editorials

October 3, 2012

It works

Living, giving the United Way helps meet community needs

It seems wherever you look, there’s the United Way of Southern West Virginia.

Its fingerprints are all over our region, when it comes to lending a helping hand to a worthy cause.

Far more than just fundraising agency, the United Way of Southern West Virginia does a great job in engaging the community and getting our citizens involved in its projects.

And an especially wonderful thing about the way it serves over 30 local non-profit organizations, all of the work done — and dollars raised, stays in our area.

At the United Way Leader’s Club Luncheon Tuesday, 2012-2013 Campaign Chair Richard Jarrell spoke about the organization’s goals — an it’s not all about the finances.

“It’s not about a $500,000 goal, it’s about a $500,000 need,” he shared.

The United Way of Southern West Virginia has a proven track record of having a significant, positive impact our area.

It’s a good steward of the monies raised, as many of its non-profit organizations will attest.

As Scott Miller, executive director of Just for Kids Inc. said Tuesday, “When federal and state funds shrink, we really must rely on the community.”

Another reason that the United Way’s work is more crucial to Southern West Virginia than ever. The needs don’t go away just because the funding has.

It’s not just about cutting a check either.

The folks at the United Way of Southern West Virginia have come up with some very fun and creative ways to draw funds.

Its recent Dancing with the Stars event was a big success, and alone, will provide about 10 percent of the annual goal.

Not bad for a first-time event.

The annual Wonderland of Trees, which kicks off next month, celebrates the Christmas season in the community while getting various businesses involved by decorating trees, lined with many donated valuables, that are auctioned off. The auction proceeds, again, go toward the campaign goal. Last year, some $40,000 was raised.

We encourage participation in any of the many United Way of Southern West Virginia’s incredible events, let them come into your workplace to make a presentation to your employees or by simply contacting the organization directly (304-253-2111) to volunteer your time or resources.

For more information about United Way or how to get involved, visit www.unitedwayswv.org.

Text Only
Editorials