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Help United Way help others

An editorial  —  8/21/2008 10:44 am

It's time to get behind United Way of Dane County once again.

The 2008 campaign kicks off on Aug. 26 and the needs of the community have never been greater.

The goal this year is $16,650,000, almost all of which is distributed to the more than 160 nonprofit agencies that work directly with everyone from newborns to the elderly to make our community a better place for all.

This is a critical year for United Way. Its innovative "Agenda for Change" is on the cusp of achieving significant breakthroughs that will reap rewards for Dane County in the years ahead. While there's a concern that the sputtering economy might affect charitable giving this year, the need to reach that $16.65-million goal is crucial to push those programs over the top.

Huge strides have been made, for instance, in closing the historic achievement gap between students of color and whites. The Schools of Hope program has about 1,100 volunteer tutors for elementary- and middle-school kids in the Madison schools and has expanded into Sun Prairie and Verona.

More seniors and folks with disabilities are able to stay in their homes instead of being institutionalized, thanks to United Way's contribution of resources to the agencies that work with them.

There's been a drop in the number of homeless children in our community, and a new program that deals directly with young people who become disconnected from their schools and families will debut this fall.

Obviously, it not only takes committed volunteers, but money, to keep the programs moving ahead, combatting the many problems that face society these days.

Only about 14 percent of Dane County adults contribute to United Way. For those of you who haven't been able to contribute in years past, consider the benefits that so many United Way agencies return to families and friends. Even $10 helps.

And for those of you who have been contributors, consider continuing that support and even increasing it a bit to help reach that goal, which is 4 percent higher than last year's.

It's easy to contribute. Most Madison companies offer payroll deduction at work. Just $2 a week adds up to more than $100 in a year.

You can also write a check, use a credit card or contribute cash.

United Way depends on all of us. And those in need of help and a new direction depend on United Way.

An editorial  —  8/21/2008 10:44 am