More than statistics ...

I recently had the privilege to give a Callaway County United Way presentation to the Fulton Kiwanis Club.  As a member of a number of service clubs over the years, I have both listened to and given presentation on the importance of giving back to the community through the area United Way.

As I was considering my presentation, I wondered how I could personalize my words to really have an impact on those who were giving over a portion of their day to hear what I had to say.  Certainly, there are a number of statistics that I could quote:

• How every dollar donated to the UW stays in Callaway County
• The number of families impacted by the work of the UW 
• How a dollar to the UW buys up to ten times more food than if we went to the grocery stor

 And the list goes on.

To be sure, statistics are important.  But then I considered something else; what if I were to personally give to those impacted?  Here’s what it might look like:

I give to the United Way through payroll deduction.  This way, I don’t have to write out a check every month.  Convenient but somewhat impersonal.

Instead, what if I wrote out a check to the United Way each month and personally gave it to our Executive Director, Kathy Richey Liddle?  Well, at least I’m making an effort to connect but still not really “all in” yet…

So, instead, what if I gave a check to each of the thirteen United Way agencies. As an example, I could give a few dollars to Julie Roark, Director of SERVE’s Callaway Action Network in support of the food pantry.   That way I could at least I could see where dollars are are making a difference.   Could I do still more???

Finally, what if I gave a penny to each of the thousands of individuals who benefit from the Callaway United Way each year?  I could personally meet with the single mother of three who actually shops at the food pantry.  I could get to know her and meet her family.  I’m sure she would appreciate my penny.  Of course, it would mean a lot more if all those who support the UW could give her their pennies as well.

Practically, of course, we can’t do that.  Which is a shame.  Wouldn’t it be great to know all of those who personally benefit from the Callaway County United Way each year?  While we can’t do that, what we can do is remember those who we are supporting when we write our checks and make our payroll deductions.

After all, people give to people.  Always have. Always will.

Why I donate to the CCUW

I donate to the Callaway County United Way for many reasons; because I know that the agencies funded are thoroughly reviewed, that all the money raised stays in the community, and that our community resources are pooled in order to assist the maximum number of people possible.

As a single parent, there were multiple times that the services of a United Way agency made a significant difference in my life, and allowed me to better support my children.

As a long-time board member and volunteer for the CCUW, I have faith in the commitment and the trustworthiness of the organization and it’s operations. I appreciate knowing that I can help more people by donating money and time to the CCUW via my workplace than I could on my own -- the impact is greater when pooled with others.

I also believe that LIVE UNITED is more than just a catchy phrase.  By helping the CCUW, I help those in my community improve their quality of life.


Please help, and make a donation today!  Information on the many ways that you can give can be found at http://www.callawayunitedway.com/Donate.htm .

Cathi Harris
Westminster College
Fulton, MO
 

The Privilege of Giving Back

As we begin 2014, it is natural to reflect on the past year and the blessings we have received.   Over the holiday season, time with family and friends spent over wonderful meals, unwrapping presents, and simply enjoying time together are all wonderful gifts.

What I found most interesting, however, was that the time of my greatest joy was not unwrapping my own presents but looking at the expressions of surprise and joy when my loved ones opened theirs.  There is something about human nature that simply enjoys seeing others benefit from our thoughtfulness, no matter the occasion, no matter how small.

Several years ago, I went “midnight shopping” with a group of friends from my local service club; picking out presents and buying groceries for those in our community who needed support over the holidays.  I never met the people who opened those presents nor did I see them enjoy the holiday dinner that we provided.  Yet, I felt warm inside thinking that I had made a difference for this family.

Put simply, making others feel good, in turn, makes us feel good.  It is the way we’re built.  I truly feel sad for those whose focus on themselves will not allow them to truly understand the joy of giving.

In my forty years of partnership with the United Way, I have had numerous opportunities to learn of the power of giving back.  It is a truly transformational experience, if you allow yourself to recognize it as such.

For 365 days a year, 24-hours a day, the Callaway County UnitedWay serves our community.  In 2014, immerse yourself in the joy of giving back to those in our community through your time, talent, and treasure invested through the Callaway County UnitedWay.

And, don’t be surprised if you end up being the person whose life has benefited the most by your caring and generosity.

Dan Diedriech
William Woods University

Fulton, MO

Supporting the Callaway County United Way

Having served on the SERVE Board in the past, I know how important the UNITED WAY funding is to many organizations in our community.  From Head Start to Scouts to our Homeless Shelters, the Kingdom Projects Sheltered Workshop and more, the CALLAWAY COUNTY UNITED WAY makes a positive difference improving the daily lives of many of our friends and neighbors. 

Angela Grogan

Director of Library Services & Assistant Professor

Westminster College

Fulton, MO