United Way kicks off fund-raising campaign

A Spectrum by Robert Hall

If you have looked at the daily stream of solicitation letters you receive in the mail and endured countless dinnertime telephone calls from charities, then you know only too well how the competition for your gifts of time and money has increased over the years.

Through it all, our local United Way stands out in its ability to meet the needs of people and the community.

Most of us have read and heard a lot about United Way over the years, but few people really have an in-depth understanding about United Way of Mat-Su, how it keeps Its services relevant to the current community needs, and how it differs from the average charity we encounter on a daily basis.

The current perception of United Way is that it is a major fund-raising organization that supports many worthy causes in our community. That is true, but United Way of Mat-Su's role goes beyond that.

Today, United Way is a powerful force bringing the people and resources in our community together to focus on key issues for the greatest possible impact and results.

Your donation to United Way of Mat-Su is an investment in your community. I want you to know more about United Way of Mat-Su because I am confident that the more you know, the better you will feel about your donation and how it benefits your community.

Did you know . . .

The funds raised by United Way of Mat-Su support local nonprofit organizations right here in the Mat-Su Valley. United Way of Mat-Su agencies provide health and human services to your friends and neighbors in need, improving their lives and helping to build a stronger, more caring community for us all. United Way of Mat-Su offers a choice to donors -- choose to designate to a specific nonprofit organization or make a contribution to the community fund where your donation will be allocated to agencies based on the current needs in the community,

Undesignated donations are allocated to United Way of Mat-Su member agencies through a rigorous review and allocation process conducted by volunteer community members who make careful and informed decisions about the distribution of funds.

All local United Ways operate autonomously so you can choose to have your donation stay in the community where you live.

When making a pledge at a workplace outside of the Mat-Su Borough, you can specify to have your donation sent to United Way of Mat-Su.

United Way of Mat-Su is one of the most efficient ways to increase the power of your donated dollar. Eighty-six cents of every donated dollar goes directly to services to Mat-Su residents. By combining your donation with those of many others, you can make a greater impact and ensure that your donation is going where the need is greatest.

United Way of Mat-Su is a partner with other community leaders who focus on critical needs to get results you can see. United Way of Mat-Su administers the local board for the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program; serves on the Mat-Su Housing Coalition to address issues of housing and homelessness; coordinates the Mat-Su Alaska Health Fair; encourages volunteerism through the annual Day of Caring and Volunteer Recognition program; provides free bus passes to Mental Health Trust beneficiaries on MASCOT public transit; and coordinates the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, a federal/state project that mutually benefits seniors and local farmers.

United Way of Mat-Su does all of this with only 1.5 paid staff members, thanks to the help of numerous community volunteers. Many of our volunteers have worked with us for years because they feel good about donating their time and talents to a worthwhile organization.

No other local charitable organization makes this kind of impact and operates as efficiently. United Way's responsible stewardship sets us apart. The United Way of Mat-Su "'Choose to Care" fund-raising campaign begins on Sept. 14 and continues through Nov. 16, with a goal to raise $475,000 -- an amount that reflects the growing needs of our expanding Mat-Su population.

I encourage you to look at United Way in a new light, not just as a fund-raising organization, but also as a community builder that works to improve the quality of life for all Mat-Su residents.

This fall, choose to care about your community . . . give to United Way of Mat-Su.

Note: This article was prepared prior to the recent national events in New York and Washington, D.C. United Way of Mat-Su wishes to express sincere condolences to the individuals and families affected by these tragedies, and we pledge our continuing support of disaster relief efforts that are directed to them.

Robert Hall is the campaign chair for United Way of Mat-Su.