From Today's Journal Star

This was on the Op-Ed page of the Lincoln Journal-Star this morning. It was written by Brad Hedrick, Vice President of Nebraska Operations for Windstream Communications. Brad is also the 2008 United Way Campaign Chair.


Local View: United Way Campaign Needs Support
United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County is making progress with its annual community fundraising campaign but there is an urgent need for additional financial support from the community.

On Wednesday, United Way reported $3,735,262 in gifts and pledges for the annual campaign, 62 percent of this year’s $6 million goal. Although these figures are comparable to funds raised last year at this time, the campaign is not currently projecting the 5 percent increase necessary to reach its goal.
Some wonderful efforts have already been made:

* Pacesetters reported over a 3 percent increase
* Contributions to the United Way Fund (unrestricted dollars) have increased significantly
* Eight new campaigns agreed to run a United Way Campaign
* Two donors have elected to give over $25,000 this year

However, United Way is experiencing first-hand how the slower economy is affecting contributions compared to this time last year.

Falling short of goal will translate into less people receiving vitally needed services, including low-income, working families. United Way Partner agencies are seeing an increase in the numbers of clients requesting basic need items, food, shelter, utility, and housing assistance. Adults and children who are victims of abuse and neglect are even more vulnerable during an economic downturn. Just as critical for our future, at-risk children really need supportive programs to help them grow into contributing members of our community.

Especially in times of a weakening economy, we need to come together as a community. We need to count our blessings and realize Lincoln has one of the highest employment rates in the nation — that those of us who are gainfully employed and have disposable income — can make a difference in someone’s life.

It does not take a lot. In fact, the vast majority of United Way donors will admit that they do not miss the few dollars being deducted from their paychecks.

It is not too late to contribute to the United Way campaign. There are many prior-year donors, both employee-based and direct mail, that still have yet to make their pledge for 2008. The United Way Community Campaign is held in partnership with Community Health Charities of Nebraska.

Donations also may be sent to United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County 206 South 13th Street, Ste 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. For more information, please call 441-7700.

Thanks so much for all of your efforts to make the 2008 campaign successful. And please consider any and all activities that can help us reach this year's campaign goal. Dave