EDITORIAL: Heartland United Way needs your assistance

With politics and financial meltdowns dominating the national  conversation for the last few weeks, perhaps this is a good time to take a deep breath and realize how good life is in Central Nebraska. There is  no better example of this goodness than the improtant work of the 17 agencies that comprise the Heartland United Way. The organization is now ramping up its annual giving campaign.

It is important that the communities of Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Howard counties get behind the annual campaign that generates a considerable amount of the total budgets of these agencies. Serving over 65,000 people in the four county area, the United Way has become a key element in helping area  residents when they need help. The Heartland United Way does not totally fund these agencies, but it does provide significant funding to help these agencies fulfill their community goals.

The kickoff dinner last Wednesday revealed that 34 percent of the campaign's $1.2 million goal had been raised. Businesses and individuals have shown how much they care by opening their checkbooks to assist the United Way in its important community mission.

What have the Heartland United Way member-agencies done in Central Nebraska? Here is a very brief land incomplete look at a few of their accomplishments:

* 158 homeless families were provided help for utility payments or housing assistance.

* 8,995  bed nights were provided at the transitional shelter for homeless children and families.

* 202 children were provided with medical care when they had  no insurance or Medicaid assistance.

*  The 24-hour crisis line emergency services assistance helped 1,942 individuals suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse.

* Over 10,000 people gave the gift of life through the Red Cross Blood Services.

* 117 abused and neglected chidren were provided with an advocate to be their voice in the court system.

* 2.370 individuals recieved medical and pharmaceutical care.

* 66 individuals received their GED.

* 1242 individuals received membership assistance and were able to participate in activities and programs at the YMCA.

The list goes on and on....but the need to provide services seems to get even longer every year. Your contribution to this year's United Way campaign would send an emphatic statement that you care about those less fortunate than you. Contact the staff at 308-382-2679 to make a contribution.