United Way campaign is more than a fundraiser

A Spectrum, by Faye Palin

The events of Sept.11, 2001, changed a lot of our perceptions about service, about how to make a contribution to strengthen our community, not just here in Mat-Su but across the nation. Though thousands of miles away, the terrorist bombs jolted us into a new way of thinking. We were reminded of things that perhaps we already knew but had not stopped our busy lives to think about much -- things like courage and the power of a collective response. It takes courage to care about each other, the kind of courage that goes unsung and largely unnoticed until something profound brings it into sharp focus. Think about the public perception of firefighters prior to Sept.11 -- their courage was largely taken for granted but the events of that day magnified their amazing daily contributions. The same can be said for everyone in our community who demonstrates care and concern for another human being -- it takes courage to keep up the steady support that sustains us on a daily basis and rescues us in times of need.

That is how I feel about United Way of Mat-Su donors -- for 15 years you have been the unsung steady force of caring in our community -- through you comes the power of the collective response. The smallest contribution by the youngest citizen is made infinitely meaningful because it joins with other contributions that enable us all to be catalysts for change. As a nation, we have rediscovered the importance of working together, and we have found strength and comfort in being united. At United Way, we have always known the power of the collective response -- it is the foundation of what we do. We know that everyone has something to give when it comes to building a stronger community. Because building stronger communities isn't a mystery. It's about more than one person, or one agency, or one issue. It's about bringing a community together. It's about results.

United Way is more than a fundraiser, we're also a community solutions provider. We focus on issues that matter most to our community: Strengthening families, nurturing children and youth, maximizing independence for seniors and persons with disabilities, and maintaining safety nets. United Way effectively fosters partnerships between businesses, governments, labor groups and community agencies -- local partnerships that begin with, and invest in the Mat-Su community. Behind it all are individual United Way donors and volunteers, whose support makes it possible to implement programs that get results and change lives.

From September 17 through November 22, your local United Way of Mat-Su will once again be asking for your support during our annual fundraising campaign. We all can give something, and United Way really does provide an opportunity to give of yourself to help others. So please give generously. To obtain a pledge form, or for more information on United Way agencies and programs, call the local United Way of Mat-Su office. Together, we are a community that cares.

Faye Palin is a Wasilla resident.