Published: December 27, 2002

The Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Kids Club and the Mount Emily Safe Center.

All of these organizations are there to help children of Union County succeed in various ways — from providing socialization and growth opportunities for young people to making them safer.

No one would argue the validity of these programs. But all of them stand to lose some significant funding in 2003 if people of Union County do not stand up and give them a lift with their checkbooks.

The above-named programs all receive support through Union County United Way. But that's not all. Other organizations, also vitally important to the health and welfare of the people of Union County, also receive United Way support.

These groups include Neighbor to Neighbor, Shelter From the Storm, Union County Search and Rescue, the Grande Ronde Youth Orchestra, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Elgin Food Bank.

The problem is apparent. Giving to the 2003 United Way campaign is down significantly. As of mid-December, only $50,000 in pledges and donations had been made, down $30,000 from what was collected or promised a year ago for the 2002 campaign. As it approaches the end of this year's campaign, United Way is only 44 percent of where it should be.

That's disturbing. If the goal is not reached, the prospects for the charitable organizations could be bleak. United Way will have to cut funds promised to these groups.

The solution is easy. A $1 per month contribution from each employee in the county could easily fund the goal. Businesses should also consider how much they can give so United Way's 2003 campaign succeeds.

We cannot let our children down by failing to fund the groups that are so vitally important to them. We cannot let Shelter From the Storm, the search and rescue unit and the other worthwhile organizations go begging either.

Between now and Dec. 31, consider sending a tax-deductible contribution to Union County United Way, P.O. Box 862, La Grande 97850, or contact United Way representatives Dawn Roe (963-0306) or Ted Kramer (963-3161) to indicate your campaign pledge.

A community works best when people stand together. Let's unite to support the programs that help make our children be more successful and our adults function better.