FOR MORE ON the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties 2020 campaign go online to: unitedwaympc.org/
Truly, not too many of us could tolerate clones of ourselves as neighbors, for long.
Which leads many to believe we cannot just live for ourselves nor can we live as strangers with our neighbors.
Those thoughts about neighbors came up recently in light of the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties 2020 fundraising campaign.
After all, neighbors is the watch word for the United Way: Neighbors being there for neighbors, that is.
Many presume the concept of your neighbors only extends to the nearest households to your own — those who live next door or who share a property line.
Once upon a time that idea may have been accurate, but in today’s shrunken world, instant communications and enlightened sense of community our neighbors may live across town or in another county.
In that scope, many of our far-flung neighbors the 24 health and human service agencies and 46 outreach programs the local United Way’s mission serves are people who can use a helping hand.
It’s said, that we cannot build a future for them, but we can help ready them for the uncertainties that future may hold.
The future for many who are victims of neglect and abuse, who suffer mental illness or who may be facing hard times might be tough but simply letting them know they are not alone is a godsend.
They are also often our most vulnerable neighbors — the elderly and children. Be it simply ensuring their general welfare — they do not go hungry or are cold — is a priority for some of these agencies under the United Way’s umbrella.
Currently, the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties is about $100,000 short of meeting its $1.345 million goal by Jan. 31.
Including today, that means the local United Way needs to account for about $10,000 a day to hit that target.
The causes these 24 agencies represent and how your donations help should be enough for anyone to stand up and give to this campaign.
But if you need more convincing, every cent of that $1.345 million remains in Monongalia and Preston counties.
You might say, stays home or in the homes of thousands of your neighbors in this community who are well served by these agencies and programs.
Let’s be clear. These agencies serve far more than the people down and out on their futures.
Though it may come as a surprise, they more than likely serve someone you know or have served you or a member of your family in the past. We urge our readers to donate and support the United Way’s 2020 campaign.
And welcome to the neighborhood.
