United Way collections do not exceed needs

TOPIC: United Way fundraising
OUR VIEW: Don't stop giving now

No goal, no problem.

For United Way of Central Kentucky, the decision not to set a fundraising benchmark seems, thus far, to be paying off handsomely. For only the third time in its fund-raising history, United Way has surpassed the $1 million mark.

As of last week, UWCK was slightly more than $1 million and seemed certain to bolt past last year’s record of $1,025,000. It’s the first time back-to-back campaigns have collected more than $1 million here.

What is even more special is this: There are still six weeks left in the campaign. It’s not too late to dig deep in your pockets or reshuffle your monthly budget to find room for neighbors in need.

While pushing beyond $1 million is certainly something to celebrate and embrace, there is still, unfortunately, so much more need in the five-county service region of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue and Meade counties. Money raised will be distributed throughout the same counties that desire to tackle one or more of UWCK three areas of focus: education, income and health.

Whether it’s an individual or family writing a check to UWCK, or a payroll deduction, the campaign totals have grown because of a combination, even in these trying economic times, of more people giving and people giving more.

Really, we shouldn’t be too surprised by the giving surge. It might be surprising in other areas of our state or in other parts of the country, but not here.

Our area embraces the need to help.

As Executive Director Chris Wilborn said, “We’ve just been blessed. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because we live in such a generous community.”

That shines true time after time.

Some workplaces, like Dow Corning, are contributing more than $100,000. Metalsa employees will provide $66,000.

All good news.

While the fundraising has blossomed over the last few years, it still is not enough. What is needed for UWCK to meet the grant requests from agencies exceeds the $1 million mark.

As well as this is working, there remains work to be done. The campaign is a marathon, not a sprint.

There’s still plenty of time and work that remains to push the total higher and higher. There are needs that only we can meet.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise's editorial board.