Paul Thompson carries a business card with two words displayed in large type across the top: “LIVE UNITED.”

Those words are more appropriate than ever for Mr. Thompson, who is executive director of the United Way of McLeod County. Last week, the local United Way, which funds services provided by more than 40 local agencies, merged with the Glencoe Area United Fund.

Never before have social service providers and their clients lived more united in McLeod County. We applaud the intentions of the boards of the Glencoe Area United Fund and the United Way of McLeod County to pool their resources.

Board members from both organizations claim the merger will increase efficiency, resulting in a greater impact in the county. We believe them. Duplication between the two grant-making organizations will be erased. From now on, collaboration will be the credo among the 20 people who decide how donated charitable dollars should be spent. This efficiency is needed today and outweighs old rivalries between cities.

A new era
The merger represents a new era of cooperation between the residents of our county’s seven communities and 14 townships. United Way Board President Kathy Silvernale summed up the new enthusiasm best when she said, “We are just thrilled to be working with a great group of people that obviously care a lot about making an impact in their community and throughout the community.”

The “new” United Way of McLeod County board has new faces. Two new members are from the former Glencoe Area United Fund and two more United Fund board members are also likely to join. That will leave three seats still open. If you have an interest in serving, please call Mr. Thompson at (320) 587-3613.

The new United Way is working diligently to serve all corners of the county, from Winsted and Round Grove Township to Acoma Township and Plato. It’s been that way for almost a year, ever since the organization’s board decided to expand beyond Hutchinson and broaden its focus across the county. The addition of Glencoe makes the focus complete.

Services reach many
Now when you give to the United Way, your contribution will assist county residents with all types of needs, from a young person in Glencoe wanting to get involved in scouting to a woman in Hutchinson needing to escape an abusive husband to an older resident of Lester Prairie needing assistance from the food shelf.

During the past year, we’ve seen the United Way take on a much higher profile. The organization had a booth at the County Fair. Posters have gone up. Messages about the United Way have been aired on local cable access channels. And more company CEOs are hearing about the good work that the United Way makes possible. Some of those CEOs have told Mr. Thompson that he should come back and see them when the merger with the Glencoe Area United Fund is complete. Now they can talk.

The new United Way of McLeod County aims to help build stronger, healthier communities. It has never been better positioned to attain that goal.

We wish it many years of success, as it helps us all to “live united.”

Editorials are written by Publisher Matt McMillan and Editor Doug Hanneman. They can be reached at mcmillan@hutchinsonleader.com, or hanneman@hutchinsonleader.com.