United Way: Doing the most good

By Audrey Lowes

This year and the next few years are going to be crucial to the survival of our local non-profit organizations. County, state and federal sources of support are extremely thin. Some funding actually has -- and will continue to -- dwindle and vanish.

I think the basic questions we all face are: Can we spare some of our funds? Where can we do the most good? What do we want to support?

Some of us give our time to volunteer activities. Some prefer to give dollars to organizations not within the United Way "umbrella." We all "give" in some way, whether it's helping an elderly person reach a grocery item from a tall shelf, having a little extra patience with a small child dawdling while crossing the road or listening to friends while they "unload" their woes.

A year ago this past summer was a tough one for me, personally. I discovered, after surgery, that the tumor in my breast was malignant and I had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During all this I found immeasurable support from various agencies, including the Finger Lakes Independence Center, which lent me a shower stool, and my friends and co-workers, who were enormously generous with help, time and support.

I guess what I am trying to say is, you just never know when you will need the help of others. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor; there are times when we all need to reach out.

Please consider giving. Not all of us have time in our busy lives to volunteer. That is why organizations like United Way exist. United Way is designed to help a number of groups throughout the county and beyond. It is one way to get "more bang for your buck" -- by spreading your contribution over a number of agencies. And it's local. Even a small gift can mean a lot. When it's teamed with other gifts, it becomes powerful.

Please take a moment with that pledge card. It is easy to sign up for an automatic deduction. One dollar a pay period -- just about the price of large cup of coffee every two weeks -- can do so much good. Exercise that power.

The United Way, as well as other agencies, needs you. Make your caring count! Please do consider United Way as an avenue to helping your fellow citizens in Tompkins County.

Lowes is an administrative assistant in Utilities Administration; she serves as the United Way division liaison for Facilities and Campus Services. As of Dec. 3, the Cornell United Way Campaign had received $508,313 of its $560,000 goal.