Neighbors helping neighbors

Looking back across his life, a famous author asked his son, a pediatrician, for his thoughts on life’s meaning.

“Father, we are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is,” Dr. Vonnegut answered his father, Kurt.

In a nut shell, that’s what United Way’s about, too.

John Conn of Stage 2 worked with the United Way of Mat-Su Board of Directors to create a 2010 campaign video called, “What is United Way of Mat-Su?” It’s online at unitedwaymatsu.org.

The video takes viewers on a road trip as United Way of Mat-Su Executive Director Stephanie Allen attempts to answer that question.

She travels to places like the Palmer Senior Center, Sunshine Community Health Center, Salvation Army, Food Pantry of Wasilla, Imagination Library, Sunshine Transit, Boys and Girls Club, Nugen’s Ranch, Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults, Mid Valley Seniors, Red Cross, CCS Early Learning and the local Girl Scouts — all United Way grant recipients for 2010-11 — and asks them to explain United Way of Mat-Su through their eyes.

And the impact United Way continues to have in the Valley is eye-opening.

United Way of Mat-Su started in 1987. For many years it partnered with other non-profits to do fund-raising and split the proceeds with designated non-profits, like the Red Cross. The 2010 giving campaign kickoff was Sept. 9.

These days, United Way issues grants to charitable organizations and community programs that have measurable, positive, lasting impacts, according to Cherie LeBlanc-Shue, the organization’s resource development director.

It’s also narrowed its efforts to focus on education, income and health.

“We have found that those are the building blocks for long-lasting change,” she said.

Thanks to companies that provide matching grants and volunteers who give hours of time and in-kind donations, United Way of Mat-Su is able to multiply individual donations to have a greater impact.

“This investment has the power to not only feed the hungry in our community today, but to bring about positive enduring change,” said LeBlanc-Shue. “When you give to United Way, you become part of something larger.”

What is United Way of Mat-Su? It’s people helping people, neighbor helping neighbor.

To borrow a truism from the Sports section: Together, everyone achieves more. Be proud knowing your trust and support of United Way makes real, measurable differences in the lives of our neighbors.

It’s a good feeling to live united.