12/04/2007: "Remember United Way Of SJC In Your Holiday Giving!"

By Bonnie Gilmore

As United Way of San Juan County wraps up its campaign on December 31st, we look forward to continuing to provide essential support to more than thirty human services programs in 2008.

For more than a decade, your United Way has worked with local agencies to make a significant community impact; helping thousands of individuals, children and families throughout the county. In November of each year, agency programs develop and submit grant requests to United Way which are carefully reviewed and considered by a committee of qualified professionals.

Requests for funding for 2008 exceed $190,000, representing a significant community need. Your financial partnership will make a valuable difference in our ability to continue help others. As you plan your holiday giving, please consider the following:

Thirty-plus Local Supported Programs depend on United Way for their operating expenses- those funds that allow them to keep their doors open day after day and provide services for the entire community

Yes, there are many organizations asking for your donor dollars – that’s one of the benefits of helping through United Way as agencies do not have to come to you separately!

We’re cost effective since there is only one expenditure for fund raising, leaving agencies to do what they do best – provide services to our friends and family members who need help.

You can give with trust and confidence, knowing that the United Way Board is made up of experts who carefully screen how donations are spent in order to make certain that real changes come about because of your investment.

Finally, as you include United Way of San Juan County in your giving, remember this is not just one organization asking for your help, it is many; please plan your giving accordingly. Donations may be sent to United Way of San Juan County. P.O. Box 3181, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

(Bonnie Gilmore is the Executive Director of the United Way of San Juan County)