To the citizens of Island County: Island County is a great place to live and raise a family. I have said this for years and continue to believe it. Part of what makes this a great place to live is the people here. There is a great sense of community here. People genuinely care about each other. We are a friendly lot and we still have a lot of the small town values here. We are a giving people here.

As the campaign chairman for United Way this year, I have seen close up the various organizations that United Way supports. The Toddler Learning Center, American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, CADA, North Whidbey Help House and the Senior Center to name a few. Whether you know it or not, most all of us have been touched by one of the organizations that United Way supports.

Now I know that the economy on a national level is unsettled and even here we are feeling the effects of the slowdown. However, as one Islander once told me, a crisis is never scheduled. No one schedules to be out of work or to get sick. A youth does not wait until times are good to get involved in a gang or to need help with homework. Our senior citizens would prefer not to need Meals on Wheels.

At times like we are in now is when the services of a lot of the programs we support are needed most. As we look to cut back on some things, I hope that United Way is not one of them. In fact it is time to step up and increase your contribution or make that first one. To fully fund our agency’s request, we need $300,000. This is money that stays in Island County, goes to Island County agencies, benefiting Island County residents. We need your contributions and we need you to encourage those around you to contribute as well. Please, help me in my march around the county and support our community by supporting United Way. For more information, please contact myself or Cathy Niiro, at 675-1778, or visit the United Way Web site at www.unitedwayic.org, or your contribution can be mailed to P.O. Box 798, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

If you have made your contribution, thank you! Rest assured your dollars will be wisely used to change lives right here in Island County.

Tom Sundown

2009 United Way campaign chair