Letter - United Way changes lives

To the editor:

“One more donor. One more dollar. One more life changed.” This is the theme of this year’s United Way Campaign for Douglas and Pope Counties. It reflects the importance of the difference that just one dollar can make in the life of an underprivileged person living in our communities. The United Way allows us to reach out to our neighbors and invest in each other, care for each other, and keep our communities strong, safe and united. That benefits all of us. The United Way gives hope to those who need it most.

Backpacks for students, food for the hungry, warm coats for those of all ages, support systems for families in crisis, and books for children are just a few of the many services that the United Way funds and supports for our neighbors in need within our counties. However, the need is great, and all of us need to step up to the challenge of helping others.

October is United Way Month within our counties. If you have an opportunity to financially give through your work place, please do this. If you are retired and enjoy the many attributes that our county offers, please send in your donation. If you are able to give a major gift, please contact the United Way office at (320) 834-7800.

Yes, we are all solicited by many worthwhile causes. The United Way is unique among charitable causes in that it is about investing in our communities, as 99 percent of the money raised here, stays here. But it takes all of us, so please give generously to the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties. Together, we do what matters.

Lee, Judy, Bria and Beau Backhaus,

2012-13 United Way Campaign Chairs/Family for

Douglas County, MN

Tags: opinion, letters