Look around town and it's easy to find opportunities where others could use a helping hand or a financial boost.
Some are obvious, like the consistent need for assistance by groups like the American Red Cross, a stalwart source of support in times of disaster.
Others like the scouting programs, might not be an immediate consideration unless you have a child involved in the program.
Being a fairly soft-hearted soul, I find myself interested in helping nearly every cause that comes my way. However, my desire to help often is more sizable than the time available when considering my duties as a mother and editor.
The realization both saddens me and tends to limit how many hats I wear at once.
That's where the United Way steps in for me.
Thankfully, Nacogdoches County has this dedicated program that supports a wide variety of programs which seek to improve the education, health or income of residents.
It is possible to donate to the United Way, and through the betterment in these three areas, know that the organization is changing lives. Each dollar stays right here to help our neighbors and friends, and in some occasions, us.
If that's not enough of a reason to care, a fascinating Common Good Forecaster on the national United Way Web site (www.liveunited.org/forecaster) shows how a higher level of education can equate to a higher life expectancy, healthier babies and healthier people, in general.
Currently, 25 percent of people have a college education or higher, the life expectancy is 77.6 years, 8.4 percent of babies are born weighing less than 5.8 pounds and 28.6 percent of people are obese. Increase the level of education on the interactive chart, and life expectancy increases and the number of obese people and low birth weight babies both drop.
Similar charts compare education levels with financial stability, education and community involvement — all showing that a more educated population is a better functioning population.
The correlation is there. Programs which educate residents and tend to their health and financial needs will provide a boost to the community.
So how can you be a part of the local United Way efforts?
The local campaign kicks off tonight between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Cole SFA Art Center with the 2010 theme of "Live United." The goal this year is to raise $325,000 to support 17 local organizations that each contribute to the area. If you can't make the event, call the office at 564-5869. Executive director Gary Lee Ashcraft can offer more insight into the opportunities. Or, visit www.unitedwaynac.com where it is possible to make online donations.
If you are a business leader, consider making an officewide effort to support the United Way. Several local businesses already have begun their campaigns and The Daily Sentinel will begin its own in the coming weeks.
The money donated toward United Way is a pledge for the future of this county and a way to help 17 different organizations without filling every square on your calendar.
Rayanne Schmid is the editor and publisher of The Daily Sentinel. She can be reached at rschmid@dailysentinel.com.
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The following are the organizations that will be supported by the Nacogdoches County United Way 2010 initiative:
Emergency & Basic Needs
American Red Cross
The Salvation Army
Crisis Intervention
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council (ADAC)
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Women's Shelter (Family Crises Center)
Youth Services
Boys and Girls Club
Boy Scouts
Girl Scouts
Solid Foundation
Senior Services
Community Rx Help
Nacogdoches Senior Center
Nacogdoches Treatment Center
Services to Promote Health, Well-being and Independence
GODTEL
Habitat for Humanity
Health Horizons
The Encourager Program
Samaritan Counseling Center
