United Way of Scotland County Executive Director Barbara Alexander asks the public a question that could be taken rhetorically: "What can you do to help support the United Way?" The answer is anything but hypothetical. The donation that you or your business makes to the nonprofit agency can go a long way toward making the community a better place for all.

"The United Way makes a difference in Scotland County," Alexander said. "Contributions are working year-round building a brighter future for our children, enriching the lives of our elderly, giving hope to those who are hurting, strengthening families, and so much more. About 97 percent of the money raised through United Way stays in the community. By contributing to United Way, you are making a commitment to care about the lives of your family, friends and neighbors."

Alexander said that the loss of area industry has "changed the face" of Scotland County in terms of fundraising.

"This year Scotland County has seen some tough times," Alexander said. "Our unemployment rate is at a record high, jobs are scarce, and many in our community struggle to provide their families with basic needs. What can you do to help? More than ever, the United Way of Scotland County needs your donations."

The United Way 2009/10 Campaign is now underway, with its goal of $180,000 a lesser amount than in previous years due to the area's economic downturn. The campaign closes Jan 31, 2010.

"Your donation works here in our community, touching nearly two out of three people in Scotland County each year through the 19 partner agencies we fund," Alexander said. "Although Scotland County has lost a lot of industries whose support was tremendous to the United Way campaign, our community still has the same or greater needs. We certainly hope to surpass our projected goal of $180,000, and to date, we have reached 20 percent of this amount."

Reflecting this loss of industry donations, the United Way has experienced a downtrend in giving over the past several years. In 1998, $590,000 was raised. A total of $230,000 was collected in 2008, nearly a 60 percent drop in funding. These numbers mean fewer dollars go out to United Way partner agencies, forcing them to fundraise for themselves or, as is often the case, to cut back on the programs and services they offer.

Donna Young, executive director of United Way partner agency the Scotland Community Health Clinic, said that receiving United Way funds are essential to obtaining specific equipment for use at the clinic.

"Not only for the clinic, but for all non-profits, fundraising is getting more and more difficult," she said. "For us, we are counting on United Way funds to purchase equipment such as microscopes and customized chairs where patients sit for labwork. These are important items to have that are not covered in the normal budget."

Mark Gretch, director of the Scotland County Literacy Council, was even more succinct.

"United Way funding is critical for us," he said. "If we had to go collect these funds individually, we probably couldn't do it. These contributions go a long way toward helping a lot of people in the Scotland County area, and we and the other partner agencies are counting on your support. Making a donation to the United Way is a very good investment for the community."

The 19 partner agencies the United Way funds are as follows; American Red Cross Scotland County Chapter, Cape Fear Council Boy Scouts of America, Child Care Directions, Church Community Services, Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Center, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Scotland Community Health Clinic, Scotland Co Concerned Citizens for the Homeless, Scotland County Firefighter’s Association, Scotland County 4-H, Scotland County Humane Society, Scotland County Literacy Council, Scotland County Safety Town, Scotland County Senior Games, Scotland County Special Olympics, Scotland Enterprises, Scotland Family Counseling Center, and Scots for Youth.

"Please carefully consider giving to the United Way," Alexander said. "Together we can strengthen our community and make Scotland County a better place to live."

The United Way of Scotland County was begun in 1953 and has had a number of community leaders serve as the campaign chair including Wayne Hobbes, Greg Wood, and Nancy Adcock. This year's campaign chair is Tommy Brigman.

Donations from individuals and businesses are welcomed. If your business does not have an employee campaign in place, a United Way representative will be available to visit your business and discuss ways to donate. Call 276-6064, visit the United Way offices at 1603-A Medical Drive in Laurinburg, or visit www.uwscotco.org for more information.

To give to the campaign, mail your contributions to United Way of Scotland County, P.O. Box 742, Laurinburg, NC 28353.