09/20/2005: "United Way Wants Your Help To Help Others"

By Bonnie Gilmore

United Way of San Juan County has launched its 2005-06 campaign. Residents have received a brochure that provides a comprehensive overview of supported agencies, businesses are being asked to encourage workplace giving, and United Way Helping Here signs are visible outside of program offices. We're off to a great start but we have a long way to go.

As a result of the generous support of Islanders, more than thirty County-wide programs providing essential services for individuals and families currently receive funding. Included are emergency housing assistance, pre-school education, mental health counseling, mentoring programs and after school study groups. These and other programs benefit a wide array of island residents; from toddlers to teens to the terminally ill. United Way helps provide a true Community Safety Net.

Unfortunately, he gap between available funding and program needs continues to grow. This past year was the first year that we were not able to increase the size of our grants or the number of programs funded. Our grants provided less than 50% of the amounts requested. Support of these programs is critical to their long term success.

Islanders have been phenomenally giving in support of the recent hurricane relief efforts. We can all be proud that our small communities have worked so hard to help the victims of this unprecedented disaster. While all of us have limited budgets for charitable contributions, United Way asks that you dig deeper this year and continue to give locally. Please make an investment in the work of the important programs that are helping the people in our islands who need it the most. If you are an employer, contact United Way to develop a Workplace Giving Program and consider making a corporate donation. If you are an individual, please give as generously as you possibly can.

(Bonnie Gimore is the local Director of United Way)