Now, more than ever, giving is vital

12/6/2008

I have had the honor of serving as United Way Campaign chairman this year.

In my role, I have seen Toledo from an entirely new perspective. The hardships endured by some of our neighbors are beyond what most of us can imagine. Poverty, homelessness, teen pregnancy, and high school drop-out rates are all very real in Toledo.

These problems are not just statistics; they are real people who do not have a safety net. That is where United Way comes in.

United Way draws resources from those in our community able to help, and use those resources to help those most in need. Without the work of United Way, Toledo would be a much different and more desperate place for all of us.

This year will be remembered as a year of tremendous adversity. We witnessed an economy straining under the weight of a failing housing market, a financial industry in distress, and a volatile stock market.

These challenging times have impacted United Way significantly.

First, the number of people in need has grown dramatically. Families that have never before needed help are turning to United Way-supported programs for food, utility assistance, shelter, and other basic needs.

The second impact is people who have supported United Way in the past are themselves facing uncertainty and dwindling savings. They are understandably giving less.

Simply put, we are seeing the need and challenges in our community grow at a time that United Way donations are shrinking. So, I am asking for help. Based on our current pace, we will not meet the 2008 campaign goal. Programs will be cut and our community will suffer.

There has been no time in modern history where each dollar you contribute would make more of a difference than it will right now. This is a time when coming together as a community for the common good really matters.

As Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Please consider making a donation to our campaign this year. It will make a difference.

Steve Krull

Chairman 2008••United Way Campaign

Regarding the Lucas County dog warden, his job is not to protect people from dogs. The protection of people is the responsibility of the police department. His job is to protect the dogs.

I would suggest that the Lucas County Commissioners research the processes of animal protection in the other 49 states. Then they would more fully understand the need for a new dog warden in Lucas County.

I would further suggest that the county commissioners talk with those of us who are involved in dog rescue on a daily basis.

Susan L. Carlucci

Golden Retriever Rescue

of Northwest Ohio

286th Street

Where is Lee Iacocca when we need him? He surely could teach these auto executives about good ethics, real management, and corporate greed.

They should give their bonus money back to the company plus only make the same amount of money as their fellow factory workers during this terrible crisis.

What makes them better than anybody else?

MARY C. STAPLETON

Chase Street