United Way donations important for community

The Kenai Peninsula United Way has been given an incredible opportunity. Currently, the 2004 campaign is well under way. Our goal is $600,000. To date, we have raised $542,000. To reach that goal, we need to raise $58,000 by April 15.

Last week, the Kenai Peninsula United Way received a challenge grant from the Bob Penney family business for $39,000. At the time it was half of what we needed to reach our goal. If we can raise $19,000, the Penneys will donate the remaining amount.

This is an incredible opportunity for the community to join together to help their neighbors. Because of the Penneys' generous challenge grant, everyone's contribution virtually doubles.

These campaign dollars will continue to provide funding to support 26 peninsula-based agencies that directly touch the lives of people living and working right here. Whether it is through services to seniors, resources for families, emergency food or shelter, crisis intervention, rehabilitative options or programs that provide opportunities to youth in our community, this funding is vital to our neighbors in need.

The mission of the peninsula United Way is "To help build a better community." It is our goal to:

n Provide help and support to nonprofit health and human service agencies of the peninsula and to assist them in finding long-term solutions for community problems;

n Promote collaboration among human service organizations and educate the community regarding local needs;

n Develop and support the voluntary efforts of the nonprofit sector; and

n Keep our administrative overhead and fund-raising costs to a minimum, while continuing to improve services to meet our agencies' needs.

Every donation — large or small — is valuable and needed. Please take a minute to contribute to this year's campaign and help us build results we can see.

One person can make a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for joining hands with the Kenai Peninsula United Way to build a better community.

David Gilbreath, chair 2004 United Way campaign