United Way provides solutions

By Tim Kintner

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Our country and community are going through a difficult time. Unfortunately, for many of our friends and neighbors in east central Iowa, this means they are faced with even more and bigger challenges.

Many get up every day hoping they can just meet their basic needs. If they can't keep up, they will have started down a slippery slope. Their children may go to school hungry, or they may lose their job due to injury or illness.

As we launch this year's United Way of East Central Iowa fundraising campaign, I'm asking you to join us to help our friends and neighbors find solutions to these community challenges.

Our local United Way, its 38 partner agencies and all of our volunteers work together every day to make sure that the issues I've outlined above don't happen to anyone.

When you contribute to United Way of East Central Iowa, these funds are allocated to non-profit agencies that focus on education, income or health issues. Over the past 12 months, for example:

l 593 children were served at quality child care and preschool facilities; 422 parents received parent education and skill development classes.

l 10,565 area youth participated regularly in positive after-school programs.

l Nearly 1.9 million pounds of food was distributed to area dining sites and food pantries.

l 1,326 women received prescription assistance and 937 women received dental, vision and other health care services.

In other words, thousands of east central Iowans were able to “Start Strong. Grow Strong. Stay Strong” because of your generosity.

Our 2011 United Way campaign goal is $10,550,000. As you consider your contribution, I hope you will think of those in our community who are only one step away from a tragic outcome. In making your decision, consider:

l $1 per week will provide four hours of crisis child care for a family.

l $5 per week ($260 per year) will provide 135 pounds of food to local food pantries

l $25 per week ($1,300 per year) will provide 228 home-delivered meals to a vulnerable older adult.

Please, help us help others by giving generously through United Way of East Central Iowa.

Tim Kintner, President & CEO, Bankers Trust Company, is 2011 United Way of East Central Iowa campaign chair. Comments: tkintner@bankerstrust.com