EDITORIAL: United Way drive

The United Way of McLeod County is positioned to make donors’ contribution go farther this year. Recent developments at the regional nonprofit are making donating easier than ever, and every donation more meaningful as the United Way’s fall campaign begins.

The developments include:
• The United Way of McLeod County’s merger with the Glencoe Area United Fund. The merger, which took place in July, eliminates unnecessary duplication in funding local agencies. “Everybody realized we were funding the same people,” United Way Executive Director Paul Thompson said. “So we said, ‘Why compete? Let’s work together.’”

• A new Web site. Now more information about the United Way and its partner agencies is just a click away at www.unitedwaymcleodcounty.org. Donors can even use the Web site to give online.

• A stepped-up approach to reaching potential donors. This year, the United Way kicked off its campaign with fanfare at the McLeod County Fair. Last week, it sent its annual plea to more than 18,000 homes. Its board of directors, Thompson and two part-time employees have begun visiting the county’s more than 1,000 small-business owners to drop off a poster and other information. Within the next two weeks, large businesses will be contacted in hopes of continuing or establish corporate giving campaigns.
All of these developments should stir new interest and excitement from potential donors. The goal this year is to raise $280,000 for 44 agencies or programs. Eighty-seven percent of donated money will go directly to partner agencies to provide services.

How will it be used? According to the United Way:
• A weekly $1 donation, the cost of a lottery ticket, will provide emergency disaster assistance to a family in need.

• A weekly gift of $3, the cost of a movie rental, will help a victim of domestic abuse get counseling and legal advice.

• For $4, the cost of a latte, a family in need will be assisted with a scholarship for educational programming.

• A weekly $6 donation, the cost of a fast-food meal, will provide training and job coaching for developmentally disabled people.

We believe donating to the United Way is a wise investment in McLeod County’s future. The United Way helps people not by making quick fixes, but creating lasting change. Lasting change builds stronger communities.

To learn more, ask your employer how you can use payroll deduction to give to the United Way of McLeod County. Or visit www.unitedwaymcleodcounty.org, or call (320) 587-3613.

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