Help Your Community

These are tough times. The news of downsizing, increased health care costs, utilities, housing, food and other basic expenses seems unending. United Way and its partner organizations are there, providing a safety net for so many, even those who have never had to ask for help before.

It is in such challenging times that our community and nation shine. We've seen it countless times in recent years with the disasters of 9/11, the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. One could say we have our own disaster right here at home, with an estimated 459,000 children living below the poverty level, a 26% decrease in manufacturing jobs; and requests for food assistance more than doubling since 2000, according to the Michigan League for Human Services. We have an opportunity to make a difference, right here at home, by supporting the United Way.

In today's [Detroit Free Press] newspaper, you'll find a special insert from United Way asking for your support. Please consider sending your check -- for any amount. United Way and its partner agencies make the most impact with each dollar you contribute. Perhaps you can give only a dollar; perhaps you can give more. Please, give what you can. Whether it's teaching a child to read, providing food for a family, helping individuals and families be self-sufficient, or convening volunteers and community partners to address issues such as unemployment, access to services or readiness for education. United Way is there for all of us.

For more information, visit www.onewaytohelp.org.