For those of you who already give to United Way of Island County I say thank you with the warmest regards. Please consider United Way of Island County in your charitable giving again this year.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and the winter holidays not far beyond, it’s a good time to give back, celebrate with the community and enjoy time with family and friends. These are times when we reflect on the great community we enjoy even with the economically challenging era we are witnessing. It is also time to remember that there are those who may have been hit harder by the economic crisis or otherwise less fortunate in our local community. Many of these good folks, family, friends, and neighbors alike may be touched by the programs that United Way of Island County supports.

These local programs are experiencing an increase in services over last year. While requests for services go up, contributions are not keeping pace. We have not experienced a typical giving year in several, and the trend is going the wrong way. We missed our ambitious goal last year and have reset to $275,000 for this year’s campaign.

I am asking you to support our local community through United Way of Island County. For more information, please contact myself or Cathy Niiro, at 675-1778, or visit www.unitedwayic.org or your contribution can be mailed to PO Box 798, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Raise your spirits this holiday season by supporting local needs through United Way of Island County. Enjoy a pleasant Thanksgiving and a wondrous start to the holiday season.

Tom Sundown

Campaign Chair UWIC