OUR VIEW: Day of Caring is today, but show you care all year

Talk about it

Twenty-five teams of volunteers will be scrubbing, painting, landscaping and generally doing all sorts of dirty work around Mitchell today.

The annual Day of Caring kicks off the 2011 United Way campaign, and it does so in a very visible way. If readers see those volunteers hard at work in their spiffy white T-shirts today, they should know that those workers are doing so because they truly believe in the spirit of caring, and that anyone — everyone — can make a difference in this community.

Soon enough, someone may be calling on you to make a donation to United Way. Certainly, donations of all sizes are appreciated and will be put to good use.

And in anticipation of that fundraising call, we ask that readers consider that Mitchell United Way routinely provides funding for approximately 30 local agencies. The money that is donated locally stays in town, and benefits all types of agencies that provide services to Mitchell residents, ranging from youth recreation programs to agencies that aid the disabled. For some of those agencies, United Way provides the bulk of their annual revenue.

Very little of the money that’s donated is used for administrative costs. While United Way does have a small paid staff, much of the work is divvied out among a volunteer board.

Today, Mitchell United Way officially begins its 2011 fundraising season, and the goal likely will be in excess of $400,000. Luckily, Mitchell is a generous community; two years ago, local United Way Executive Director David Stevens said per-capita giving in Mitchell was around $30, which ranked among the national leaders.

We hope that giving spirit continues. It’s important that it does, since so many in Mitchell depend upon United Way’s success.

Today’s Day of Caring, which will see volunteers working at various agencies and private residences throughout town, is aptly named. It connects people who truly care about the well-being of others with those who need the help.

But we all know that caring about others shouldn’t be limited to a single “day.”

Next year, we suggest readers inquire about helping with the annual Day of Caring. And for those who don’t, we remind them that a few dollars donated to United Way is a great way to show you care, year-round.

Tags: united way, day of caring, opinion, editorials, local, mitchell