In times of hardship, a United Way of service

By William Lowery

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal on Thursday, Dec 10, 2009

National news reports have been anticipating the end of the current recession. But for so many of our family members, our friends and neighbors, the reality seems decidedly less rosy. With unemployment nearly double 2007 levels and numerous employees facing reduced wages or benefits, many families are turning to United Way-supported programs for the first time.

These agencies and programs are facing a ''triple whammy'' in these turbulent times. More people need help while donations and funding sources have decreased and social service agencies have been forced to reduce staff and program capacity.

What's missing from so many of our conversations is a sense of hope. We seem to forget that whenever tragedy strikes, our country — and our community in particular — generously responds. Here in Summit County, giving to our annual United Way/Red Cross campaigns has always spiked during times of economic upheaval, tragedy and war.

That's because a contribution to the United Way/Red Cross Campaign remains the best way to make the biggest difference in the lives of so many people in our community. When you give to United Way, we can continue our support of the many agencies and organizations that are providing the programs and services to those who need them the most during tough economic times.

There is no doubt that the problems we face are daunting. Our food pantries, our crisis counseling agencies, our homeless shelters are reporting increases in requests for assistance — increases of up to 30 percent or more. And many of those people who are seeking help are having to do so for the first time ever. These people who, until recently, were giving to those in need are now the ones asking for a helping hand.

And even those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to give may have less discretionary money available than we have in years past. That's why a gift to the United Way/Red Cross Campaign makes the most sense.

No matter what you can afford to give, you can be assured that your contribution is joined with thousands of others and will make a measurable difference in the lives of real people, helping to fund programs throughout our community that maintain our basic safety net of services and provide vital support in the areas of health, early education and financial stability for families.

That's what many of our friends and neighbors have decided. Early returns to United Way/Red Cross Campaign here in Summit County have been very encouraging. Fully 48 percent of those who have donated so far during this campaign are contributing for the first time or are increasing their gift over last year. That's a positive trend, but we still need everyone to step up and join us if we're to reach our aggressive community goal of $11,303,526.

I have been honored to serve as this year's chair of the United Way/Red Cross Campaign of Summit County. It's been inspiring to watch the incredible work of the professional staff and the hundreds of volunteers in our community raising this money in difficult circumstances. I'm also in awe of the dedicated, talented men and women who work day in and day out on the front line, providing critical social services to our grateful community.

You can donate through our Web site at www.uwsummit.org. We hope you'll join us as we strive to LIVE UNITED and advance the common good. Our community deserves nothing less than our best effort.

Lowery is the chair of the 2009 United Way of Summit County Campaign.