More than 20 years ago, German chemical company BASF created a slogan that still ranks among the most effective in advertising history: “At BASF, we don’t make a lot of the products you buy; We make a lot of the products you buy better.”
Because that slogan is trademarked, it can’t be appropriated. Even so, in many respects that idea also applies to the United Way.
The United Way of Lowndes County is in the middle of its 2016 fundraising campaign which began on Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
The United Way seeks to improve the lives of its communities in three specific areas: education, income stability and healthy living. Here in Lowndes County, United Way supports 17 local agencies, each with its own unique mission.
Our community has long been known for its generosity, of course. When needs emerge, we are quick to respond, either through financial donations or through volunteer efforts.
Sometimes, that generosity is undermined. Some charities are scams, others are poorly managed, inefficient or misguided. We, as a community, give generously, but we want to make sure our giving is used to the maximum benefit.
We should always perform our due diligence when it comes to charitable giving. One of the best ways to make sure that our giving best achieves its intended purposes is by directing our giving to the United Way. If you have a cause that is dear to your heart, it’s likely the United Way and the organizations under its umbrella address that need.
The United Way, under the guidance of director Patricia Brock, carefully screens the organizations it supports. It also provides assistance to those organizations and acts as a facilitator and a resource, which allows those groups to complement one another rather than duplicate services.
Through their association with The United Way, community organizations and charities are more efficient and, therefore, more effective.
In addition to the financial support the United Way provides these organizations through its annual campaign, the agency also helps in another important way.
Ask any of these organizations and they will tell you there is always a need for volunteers, a need addressed by United Way. Volunteer Center coordinator Renee Sanders, actively recruits volunteers from the community and matches them with agencies that need them.
Do you want to help children? Or do you have a heart for the elderly? Do you have talents in a particular area?
Our community is blessed with many wonderful community organizations and charities. For 17 of those groups, United Way doesn’t provide the services they offer; it makes the services they provide better.
As the United Way campaign continues, we urge you to join this effort, either by participating through enrolling in the program provided by your employer or as an individual.
To donate, volunteer or learn more about the services United Way provides, call 662-328-0943 in Columbus, 662-323-3830 in Starkville and 662-494-8089 in West Point or visit its website at www.uwlc-ms.org.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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