Published: October 17, 2009 10:45 pm      

Make a difference

Throughout 2009, bad news regarding the economy has bombarded America. Foreclosures, bank failures, unemployment and government bailouts have dominated the news.

One would think that might mean people would be keeping a tight hold on their purse strings, and in many parts of the country, that’s true.

As the United Way of Howard County conducts its 2009 campaign, however, people have been opening their wallets and purses for a great cause.

So far, the United Way has reached 15 percent of its $1.5 million goal. But beginning this week, workplace campaigns kick off within the county’s largest employers: Chrysler, Delphi, Haynes, Howard Regional Health System and St. Joseph Hospital. These employees are historically generous. They make up about $1 million in contributions.

The United Way of Howard County supports 15 agencies – the American Red Cross, Bona Vista, Boy Scouts, CASA, Carver Community Center, Family Services Association, Food Finders Food Bank, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Information and Referral, Literacy Coalition, Mental Health Association, Salvation Army, Samaritan Caregivers, Visiting Nurse Services and YMCA.

We believe county residents have a civic responsibility to financially support local health and human services through the United Way. We know better than the federal government which local programs have a track record of teaching people to read, helping our senior citizens, and offering counseling programs for families or emergency shelter for victims of fire.

Thousands of people make a difference in this community through the annual United Way campaign. We encourage you to join them.

– Kokomo Tribune and

Pharos-Tribune, Logansport