‘Needs are much greater this year’

'Could we afford swimming pools for kids?'
6/24/11
Thumbs up to beautiful homes
6/24/11
Charles Krauthammer: U.S. needs a new way to decide when we’re at war
6/24/11
Treasurer: ‘County finances can be rather complex’
6/24/11
'He's right on target'
6/20/11
> More opinion headlines

12:05 PM Friday, November 13, 2009

United Way is one of the best-known charitable venues in America. Sadly, most are unfamiliar with what the United Way actually does. In Butler County, the United Way connects community resources (some 54 programs) to community needs. No one should have difficulty understanding that the needs are much greater this year.

The major themes guiding United Way’s agency support this year are: helping youth grow into successful adults; and helping residents to become self-sufficient. These are designed to prevent future generations from experiencing the same challenges so many face today. It is following the old adage of teaching someone how to fish, instead of simply providing a meal of fish.

Most Americans are inclined to be charitable when there is an obvious need. The rush to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was ample evidence of that. But it is another story when there is a day-in, day-out need that never seems to change. People are less inclined to give to a need that doesn’t get satisfied.

Knowing that the United Way is working hard to pull people out of the cycle of poverty might change some minds about giving this year. It can be more reassuring to give when I know that someone is applying good stewardship to my hard-earned dollars.

Besides giving dollars, which may be tougher in 2009, the United Way agencies can benefit from volunteer help. My two days spent helping at St. Raphael exposed me to some of our community’s needs and to one agency that exists to help with those needs. Don’t overlook the option to make a difference with your time, as well as your dollars.

If my next-door neighbor needs help, I want to pitch in. The Butler County United Way is connecting all of us to our next-door neighbors who have needs. Won’t you be part of helping our neighbors improve their station in life?

Dave Lippert

West Chester Twp.

Share this article