My 21 year-old daughter was developmentally delayed in learning to walk. With the help of Happiness House of the Finger Lakes, which is a United Way funded agency, she was able to strengthen her legs and learn to walk. I was supporting United Way prior to my daughter going to Happiness House and have continued these last 20 years so that others can be helped.
I worked for United Way for several years, giving me the opportunity to see, first-hand, what an impact gifts to the Community Fund made on the lives of our friends and neighbors in need. I was also privileged to visit United Way funded agencies, to see how they utilized the funding they received, as well as meet recipients of the services provided. It really makes you realize that at any given time, it could be your family, a neighbor or friend that is in need of assistance. It's wonderful to know that we live in such a generous community that so strongly supports United Way, and that help will be there if you need it.
As a homecare nurse, I frequently walk into my patient's kitchen and find no fresh, nutritious food. Healing and recovery require good nutrition, which can be brought to the patient's home hot and ready, by a cheerful Meals on Wheel volunteer. Visiting Nurse Service has administered Meals on Wheels since 1958, and that is one of the many reasons why I give.
I give to help support the many needs of our community. There are many families below the poverty level who need better access to healthcare services and programs to support their families. Many of the city school children do not receive adequate clothing, shoes, food, healthcare, etc. The United Way is one source of funding to provide the necessary support for food, clothing, education and healthcare services to the needy families in our community.
I grew up in a small town where everyone knew one another and helped each other out. Although I now live in a bigger community, I have never let go of those small town values. The United Way is just an extension of what I was taught many years ago. Helping one another and giving back is just the right thing to do. After all, no man is an island.
I give to the United Way because I would like to help Rochester's children get the tools and support that they need in order to graduate from high school and improve their opportunities for the future. I choose to assist them through the United Way's Community Fund.
My contribution to the United Way is one of the easiest decisions I make every year. For me, it is more than the critically important benefits my donations provide to my favorite charities or what it means to the United Way and the high quality services they offer to the region. It is a statement of how I envision this community and ensuring that we are taking the necessary steps to meeting the needs of our neighbors now and into the future.
I know that it is always better to give than receive. The needs are great, and I have received much. It is a small sacrifice to give to meet the need wherever.
I give to the United Way because I am assured that my money is spent in the best way possible in our community. Like everyone, I have my favorite local charities, but this is my chance to combine my gift with so many others here at the University and in Rochester to have a real impact. The payroll deduction option is such a quick and easy way to make the donations; it just makes sense for me.
I support the United Way because I believe that it is the most efficient and effective way to get help to those in need in our community. If everyone at the University gives just a small donation, think what a difference we could make.
I give because it's important for me to support my community when I can. Bad things can happen to any one of us at any time, and United Way funded programs support us through those bad times. So, I support the United Way.
I give because that is what we are to do! We are here to help one another. I give money and my time every year. No big story.
I give because it's the right thing to do.
Visiting United Way funded agencies and meeting the recipients of the services provided made me realize that at any given time, it could be my family, neighbor or friend who is in need of assistance. It's wonderful to know that we live in such a generous community and that help will be there if you need it.
