When we think of the United Way, we think of the emergency programs and services that are always there when, in some form or another, disaster strikes.
Maybe it is the Red Cross stepping up to help when a fire destroys everything a family owns. Maybe it is Meals on Wheels stepping up to help someone stay at home to recuperate from an illness. Maybe it is the Salvation Army stepping up with financial assistance for a family in need.
United Way agencies are always there in an emergency, steadfastly being the shelter in a storm we can always count on when we needed them. They are there to help those who are troubled, hungry, lonely.
But United Way agencies wield a much larger umbrella in southern Chautauqua County than emergency services. Agencies provide programs and services for normal everyday living that help make this a great place to live and raise a family.
By supporting the United Way, our community ensures that people losing their eye sight can get help to learn how to maintain their independence. We ensure youngsters and teens have a chance to learn key life skills: staying in school, making good decisions, developing healthy self-esteem, dealing with a world that grows ever-more complicated and pressure-filled.
But supporting the United Way, we ensure that we continue to have day and residence camps so our children can learn to live in the out of doors and enjoy all of its wonders. We ensure seniors who might otherwise forget to eat have home-delivered nutritious meals.
In all, we count some 44 programs at 19 agencies that are supported the United Way of Southern Chautauqua.
And now it is your turn to do your part.
The United Way's annual campaign is in full swing with a goal of raising $1,310,000. Campaign volunteers are contacting thousands of people across the region right now.
Please be generous with your donation.