ANDERSON, Ind. —
The United Way of Madison County held its annual campaign kickoff on Tuesday and the organization hopes to raise $850,000, which is what it brought in last year.
To a community that is still in the grips of recession with not a lot of high-employment prospects on the horizon, $850,000 seems like a dream. But it’s not. That figure is down quite a bit from the years when raising $2 million was the norm. With individuals and businesses pitching in, $850,000 is not only doable but should be exceeded.
The United Way might be excused for being a little timid in trying to push the community too far and may have set the sum too low. But the nonprofit is basing its expectations on last year and, alas, the economy hasn’t improved too much since then. Still, Madison County has rallied for the cause before and there is no reason to think this year will be any different.
There has to be optimism involved any time an organization fans out in the community with hat in hand. That’s why the theme of this year’s campaign is “Better Tomorrows.” The people of the community have to believe in better tomorrows, and they are realistic enough to know that the worst off among them must also be able to count on a better tomorrow.
The nonprofits served by the United Way are important to the community. They include food banks, libraries, medical services, shelters and counseling services among many others. These all help Madison County residents search for and find that better tomorrow because they offer safety-net services that keep people from literally falling through the cracks.
That’s why it is so important to give to the United Way. Obviously, not everyone can give the same amount, but by giving what you can, the United Way inches toward its goal and maybe surpasses it.
How a community bands together in tough times defines its character. We already know Madison County has a lot of character so now it’s just a matter of showing others by contributing to the United Way.
Opinion
Editorial: Give what you can to United Way
- Opinion
-
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
To save America some money — by acclimation of course — let’s not have a presidential election in 2012. We already have a good president who will do his best to kill all Republican bills (DOA) and, consequently, create more good-paying jobs in the $30 per hour range.
-
Letter: Gingrich cashes in on political amnesia
Rasmussen says that Romney has flattened nationally. Why?
Two reasons seem to tell the tale. Gingrich has shown that he will fight, and Romney is a Mormon, believed to be a “cult” by a majority of evangelicals. -
Letter: Hiring Winkler not wise spending
As a taxpayer I want to know that my taxes are being spent wisely. Hiring Greg Winkler at a salary of $126,000 is not wise spending.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
-
Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
-
Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
