Editorial: Helping our neighbors in need

Originally published 11/12/10 in The Greenville News (Subscription required)

In a truly extraordinary sign of the depth of Greenville’s generosity and the unwavering commitment of this community’s leadership, the United Way of Greenville County announced Tuesday that it has raised the most money in its 88-year history. In the face of stubbornly high unemployment and lingering economic troubles, the United Way raised $14,712,161 during its 2010 campaign.

The record-breaking total is $700,000 more than the United Way raised last year, and it even surpasses this year’s ambitious goal of $14.6 million.

As with any campaign, this year’s total is about much more than meeting a goal for the sake of that accomplishment. With the $14.7 million raised this year, the United Way will be better able to meet needs in our community. It will allow people in Greenville to help more of their neighbors.

These are hard times. About one in 10 people do not have a job. Almost that many more have given up on finding employment, have settled for part-time work because bills must be paid, or have accepted a job far below their skill-set because food must be put on the table.

On top of that, many people still lucky enough to be bringing home a paycheck have less money. Their hours have been cut, or commission checks continue to shrink, or furloughs have taken a bite out of their annual pay.

In the face of such challenging times, people in this community decided to dig deep to help their neighbors. That is worth celebrating, and it’s also worth noting that time and again Greenville proves it is a generous community where people embrace their responsibility to help those who are suffering.

As Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president of Michelin North America and United Way’s 2010 campaign chair, said at Tuesday’s announcement, “In a year of record need, we had a record-breaking response in giving.” He also recognized that the increased giving represented in many cases that people were willing to make a sacrifice to help those who are hurting. “At a time when all of us are watching our spending a little closer, the community decided to reach out a helping hand to our neighbors, and our gift of time and money will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors across Greenville County,” he said.

The money raised by the United Way will be spent in two ways: For programs that meet immediate needs by funding 86 local programs that address basic needs, health and crisis services for children, youth and families. And for programs that look for lasting solutions in the areas of child care, early literacy, poverty and teen pregnancy.

This year’s successful campaign would not have been possible without widespread support in the community, an army of enthusiastic volunteers and the expert guidance provided by the United Way’s leadership and staff.

Some impressive facts: The United Way campaign reached more than 700 workplaces. It relied on about 1,300 volunteers. Approximately 40,000 donors participated.

And other highlights: Both Michelin North America and Fluor Corporation went over the $1 million mark when combining employee contributions and corporate gifts. Three other workplace campaigns — GE Energy, Greenville Hospital System and Greenville County Schools — had campaigns that raised more than $500,000. More than 200 campaigns increased giving over last year, and 11 companies ran United Way campaigns for the first time. Five companies — Michelin, Fluor, GE Energy, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System and Hartness International — had more than a $75,000 increase in giving.

Much credit for this spirited campaign goes to Dick Wilkerson, campaign vice chair Annette Allen of Fluor, the campaign cabinet and United Way staff members. They provided the necessary leadership, and hundreds of volunteers provided the muscle.

Ultimately, thousands of donors decided to reach deep during these tough times to help people who are suffering. They backed their words of concern about those in need with actions that speak to the character of our community.