Sunday, August 16, 1998

Best way for Abilene to take care of its own

The United Way of Abilene has set a lofty mark for its fund-raising campaign, but it's one that's certainly worth achieving.

Perhaps falling short of last year's goal of an even $2 million inclined the organization toward this year's slightly more modest figure of $1,999,999.99. At any rate, that's the amount the United Way wants to raise between now and Oct. 31 to fund programs for the 1999 calendar year.

And essential programs they are. The 44 local projects that operate through 20 provider programs address genuine needs in the community -- child care, substance abuse, family violence counseling, shelters and assistance for those enduring temporary hardship, disaster relief, youth programs. Through these diverse undertakings, United Way reaches out to more than 35,000 people in the local community.

We might find others' needs inconvenient, but that doesn't make them less real. And if we think such needs will simply go away if they're not addressed, then we'll be in for a more expensive surprise later on: We'll pay a greater price later in more crime, higher insurance rates, more widespread homelessness and social instability.

Over the years, Abilene has built a justified reputation as a caring community, as a community that takes care of its own. And donating to the United Way is the easiest, most efficient way to do that.

An effective umbrella

No other charity fund-raiser touches as many lives or does as much good for the whole community as the United Way. Acting as an umbrella, United Way is able to direct dollars where they're most needed and coordinate programs to help each other instead of duplicating efforts. Because donating can be made through payroll deductions, everyone can help throughout the year without the blow to the family finances that writing one big check might cause. And all the donations help, whether they're big or small. It's everyone coming together to pool their resources that makes United Way work.

Two new agencies -- Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Abilene Hope Haven, a local homeless shelter -- have been approved to receive United Way funds next year. Plus, next year's docket features a valuable new service for children -- a children's dental health program, in which eligible youngsters will receive discount dental care through the collaborative efforts of United Way and the 17th District Dental Society to relieve pain, prevent infection and protect children's vulnerable permanent teeth. The future health of Abilene's children is surely worth a few dollars from each one of us.

With many nonprofit organizations now receiving less money from government sources, and with the impact of welfare reform being felt more and more in Abilene, there's a real need for greater community participation in the United Way campaign. It's time to show how well Abilene takes care of its own. You'll feel better about yourself and your community if you're generous when United Way comes calling.