Executive Director's Message

LIVE UNITED™ - Holiday Programs

12/1/2008

‘Tis the season to LIVE UNITED™ and there is plenty of evidence in this community that it is happening. With a core belief that each of us shares a responsibility for another, our campaign has brought together individuals, agencies, corporate partners, families and friends to make this season a better one for as many as we can.

When most people think of the United Way, they connect us with our annual community campaign. Make no mistake, that fund raising is still a major, on-going concern for us. But at this time of holidays, we also serve to connect people in ways to share time, resources and energy. In this paper, you saw evidence of that in a news story that told of an agency, itself funded in part by this United Way, organized a holiday craft fair that benefitted our campaign. We call these things “Special Events” but was especially “special” about this craft fair was the fact that this agency could have very well used its time and energy to raise money for itself; but, instead chose to lend support for our community campaign. That is an example of what it means to LIVE UNITED™ .

There are others, too. Since the middle of November, our office has been the physical equivalent of a popular dating site matching families with food baskets, gift cards, clothing and such. Every one of those connections strengthens the fabric of this community. More importantly, none of this is limited by ZIP code or governed by familiarity. People are simply helping other people and where they live or who they are is irrelevant… just as it should be. What binds them is the need and the impulse to satisfy that need. If this uncertain economy is teaching us anything, it is that having something to share and the willingness to share it is more important that what it is. When we put what we have to share together with others, we create food baskets that take two people to carry, and a whole family to enjoy. A van full of various food items creates whole meals. A gift card from one store joined with another produces winter coats for four kids.

Interested? There is still time to tear a tag from the Giving Tree at the mall and purchase a requested item for a local child. Drop the gift and the tag at the concierge and you are done. No hauling and no need to wrap. Looking for something more involved? How about adopting-a-family? Here you get to plan, shop, wrap and indulge all of your holiday gift-giving habits. Can’t do it alone? Adopt-a family as part of a group of friends or co-workers. Many folks are choosing to not exchange gifts with co-workers and, instead, putting that effort into a family’s holiday. It is a great example of how they LIVE UNITED™ .

If LIVE UNITED™ teaches us anything, it is that no one needs to try to do it alone. In fact, doing it together produces a far greater result than most of us could have done alone. The sum truly becomes greater than its parts. It’s a new math.

Call Sarah at 203-235-4403 to help celebrate with a family and to LIVE UNITED™ .

11/1/2008
LIVE UNITED™ - Ask. Thank. Inform. Part II
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1/1/2009
LIVE UNITED™ - We need you now, more than ever.
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