United Way enters season of community giving
Fall has arrived. How fortunate we in Southeast have been to have enjoyed one of the best summers ever. As the season changes, our focus turns from fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities to the inside chores and back to catching up on all the things we stacked up during the summer.
I would like to ask that you consider United Way of Southeast Alaska as you get reorganized.
At the end of June, I retired after working for more than 30 years. My plan was to play, take my daughter to college and embark on a "spirit journey" - who am I and where am I going? Before I even unpacked my boxes from work I was contacted by some friends from United Way who asked if I would serve as the 2004 campaign chair. I had been warned about how my free time would be filled. I immediately said "no" but did a pro-and-con list of why I should or shouldn't take on this activity. I had one reason why I should serve and 15 reasons why I should not - and yet when I met with some of the Board, I said "yes."
The reason I agreed is that I care about the social service needs of Southeast Alaska and have volunteered with many of our nonprofit agencies over the years.
Last year I saw some desperately needed agencies struggle for funding - the Glory Hole and Hospice and Home Health Care of Juneau, to mention two. The staff has had to divert its expertise from providing services to fundraising just to stay in business.
But something rather exciting has been happening in the background. United Way of Southeast Alaska recently took a change of course. They have reenergized their board with people who also believe in serving the needs of Southeast Alaska. They have hired an extraordinary, energized executive director who will make United Way succeed. With the groundwork laid, it really was natural to come to the conclusion that, by stepping forward as chair, I could help the agencies I care about, in some small way, to get the necessary funding .
United Way of Southeast Alaska is celebrating its 25th year of service in Southeast. It serves 32 member agencies and I believe everyone in Juneau and Southeast is touched in some way by the services they provide and their lives are better because of these nonprofits.
So as you step into fall, please consider making a donation to United Way either through a direct donation or payroll deduction. You can designate your gift to United Way or one or more of its member agencies.
Our campaign runs from Sept. 9 to Nov. 5. We know this is an election year and we are competing with the political campaigns, but your donation to United Way will allow 32 agencies to provide services we need to make this community and area the special place that it is. Giving up a latte or two or a small portion of your PFD and providing a meal to a senior or a homeless person, a mentor to a child through Scouts or other youth programs, or desperately needed hospice services to a dying family member or friend can make you feel good about fall. As part of my "spirit journey," I feel good about the decision to helps others.
Please join me. You can sign up at your workplace campaign, download a pledge form at www.unitedwayseak.org or call 463-5530 to make your contribution.
• Sharon Kelly, retired CEO of True North Credit Union, chairs the 2004 Campaign of United Way of Southeast Alaska.