Charles Oliver
Dalton Daily Citizen
DALTON — Times are tough. Money is tight. Resources are scarce. But the people of Whitfield and Murray counties keep giving their time and money to those less fortunate.
The United Way of Northwest Georgia held its annual meeting Friday, and while the news may not have been quite as good as some had hoped, there was still plenty of room to celebrate.
The United Way met its 2009/2010 campaign pledge goal of $2.95 million, thanks to the thousands of individuals and companies who donated what the could. Further, in 2009, the group handled 7,445 calls seeking assistance and referred more than 23,335 individuals to agencies that might help them. Most of those requests were for rent or mortgage assistance, help paying for utilities or help buying food.
The local United Way also connected 2,769 individuals looking to volunteer with opportunities to help others. Those volunteers provided 15,996 hours of service.
It is unfortunate that there are so many people in need. But it is gratifying that there are so many people out there willing and able to help, even though they are likely be facing financial hardships themselves.
It’s those people, and their spirit, that makes the Dalton area a special place to live.
The Daily Citizen recognizes those men and women who support with their time and money the United Way and the 20 agencies it supports as our Citizens of the Week.
