How you can make community stronger

Many of us are concerned with how the current economic crisis will impact our own families. While we may have less to give this year, we must not ignore the great needs faced by people right here in the DuPage County area during the coming weeks, months and possibly years. We all win when everyone in our community thrives, and it's by working together that this is accomplished. When we reach out a hand to one, we can influence the condition of all. At United Way, we have established a call to action - Live United - to motivate everyone to help by donating time through volunteering, advocating or giving.

To Live United, we must work together to tackle the most important health and human service needs in the DuPage area. In our community and across the country, the income gap is the widest it's been in generations: More than 144,000 DuPage County residents are living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (which is $42,400 for a family of four); unemployment is expected to reach its highest levels in decades; and one out of every three Americans uses a credit card to pay for basic necessities like food and rent. Whether you choose to be a mentor at a local elementary school, make a donation to your public library or write a letter to a local representative about an important community issue- in doing so you Live United, and your actions will positively impact our region for generations to come. When we harness spirit and ingenuity to work toward common goals, the possibilities are limitless. To learn more about how you can help make your community stronger, visit www.uwdupage.org or call 630-645-6341.

Walker Geyer

board president, DuPage Area United Way

Oak Brook