United Way provides vital communications services, solutions

Like all 1,400 United Way associations around the country, the Monroe County United Way is a private, nonprofit organization. We are not, as stated in a recent IDS editorial, government supported. United Way is proud to help thousands of individual donors each year direct their funds to the vital social service needs in our community. \nThis year, United Way will try to raise $1.8 million, which is desperately needed to provide solutions for people in the Bloomington area. None of this money will come from government ' it is all donated by private individuals and organizations. \nUnited Way allocates funds to 25 member agencies that provide services including emergency food and shelter, assistance for victims of domestic violence, health care for low-income individuals, and support for people with physical and developmental disabilities. United Way of Monroe County also accepts "donor designations," which are then forwarded to over 100 community organizations. \nLocal schools opened their doors this week, and United Way was there ' helping school social workers purchase eyeglasses and clothes for children who could not afford to buy these on their own. That is just one example of how your United Way donation helps in Monroe County. More information is available at www.unitedway.monroe.in.us.