With a lofty goal $25,000 higher than the previous year, the United Way of Southern West Virginia set out to help 29 nonprofit agencies by raising $350,000 for the 2009-2010 campaign.
They did it.
Actually, it seems more appropriate to say “we did it,” because the United Way is just that — a united group of “we.”
That money wasn’t raised solely by big business names who gave large sums of money. Certainly, those contributors helped tremendously. But so much of the campaign goal was reached because of ordinary people who simply gave what they could.
“We” may have bid on a Christmas tree, eaten out on Celebrity Night, attended a live fundraising concert at The Lost Parrot, participated in a golf tournament or signed up for payroll deduction of only a few dollars each pay period.
Or maybe “we” didn’t give money at all. Perhaps “we” donated an item to the Baby Pantry Drive or brought a can of food to a rooftop food drive at John Eye’s Big Sandy Superstore.
Little things really do mean a lot.
In this case, they mean a lot to the people who benefit from the nonprofits in Raleigh, Wyoming, Fayette, Nicholas and Summers counties supported by the United Way of Southern West Virginia — the American Red Cross; The Salvation Army; community and health resource centers; local Boy and Girl Scout councils; food pantries; dental programs for children; 4-H; educational, developmental and counseling programs for at-risk children; services and shelters for the homeless; programs for senior citizens; help for victims of abuse; and others.
The need during this past campaign was tremendous. Unfortunately, the nation’s economic state was anything but. Still, “we” did it. A goal of $350,000 is no small task under any economic circumstance, yet the leadership of the United Way of Southern West Virginia took on the task and succeeded.
They’ll do it again with the 2010-2011 campaign. But they can’t do it without “our” help.
The needs still exist, and as long as they do, each of us must do what “we” can to help our communities live United.
For additional information about the United Way of Southern West Virginia, or to apply for assistance funded by the new campaign, call 304-253-2111 or visit www.unitedwayswv.org.
Opinion
February 4, 2010
Live united
<b>Campaign goal reached; needs still remain</b>
- Opinion
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No-bid contracts
Lawmakers need to put checks, balances in place
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Negative campaigning
Smear tactics do nothing but add to public’s distrust
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Deterrent
Authorities’ use of murder charge could help curb copper thefts
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Mine safety
For agencies to remain relevant, public must demand a better job
- Thumbs
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Sweep it up
Volunteers to converge on litter today, tomorrow
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Fighting the flu
CDC recommending vaccinations for everyone ages 6 months and older
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Dental hygiene
Give kids healthy snacks and take advantage of programs
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Get it right
Election officials must stop abdicating responsibilities
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Too late
Reactive rather than proactive, MSHA decision on ventilation enforcement a slap in face
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