Letters to the Editor for Monday, January 30, 2012

By: The News & Advance | The News & Advance
Published: January 30, 2012

United Way pushing to finish line

Many of our area residents do not realize how their contributions to the United Way of Central Virginia are being utilized. United Way assesses the needs of our community and, through the help of your contributions, mobilizes the community to meet our critical challenges and needs. In addition, because of the community volunteerism with our partnering agencies and funded programs, United Way can stretch your single dollar to five, to 10 and even to 20.

Have you wondered how your contribution to United Way makes a difference? This year, 100 percent of your donation to United Way’s Community Care fund impacts our local programs which focus on education, health and income.

Your dollars produce these important outcomes, which we see first-hand, every day: a life changed, a hope reinforced, a meal provided, a problem solved, an anxiety calmed, an addiction confronted, a health issue addressed, an abuse reconciled and a financial crisis averted.

In 2010, United Way fielded more than 85,000 requests for assistance, but this year we face increased needs and greater challenges.

What we achieved last year will simply not meet the rising needs this year. Your contributions to United Way are vital in helping to meet these surging needs and in making Central Virginia a better, healthier place to live.

Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to United Way of Central Virginia. To make a donation, contact United Way of Central Virginia, P.O. Box 10008, Lynchburg, VA 24506; or go to our website, www.unitedwaycv.org, and click “Give”; or just call our office at (434) 846-8467.

FRANCES AND DON GILES

Co-chairmen

United Way of Central Virginia 2011

Drug testing and aid

This is my first time ever writing to The News & Advance, however, I was so moved by Mark Smith’s Jan. 25 letter, I had to comment.

I have been drug tested since I was 17 years old going into the Marines. Every job since then has been one I had to be drug tested for. I have no problem with it and actually appreciate the reasoning behind it.

I agree with Smith’s statement saying if he has to be drug tested to get a job to pay taxes in order for food stamps and other programs to be handed out, why shouldn’t a person have to be drug tested in order to get them?

Now, if some people would check out the number of people who get that free money every month and sell their food stamps for whatever they want, the disappointment level would spike.

JACKIE CRAWFORD

Forest