The Clinton County community has shown time and time again that even in the most difficult times, our residents, business and organizations pull together to meet community needs. The results of the fund-raising campaign for the United Way of Clinton County bear that out, again. As reported at yesterday’s annual banquet, the fund-raising campaign has generated $305,000. We congratulate the United Way staff and campaign workers, and extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of those who helped United Way exceed this year’s campaign goal.

United Way of Clinton County provides funds to a wide range of local nonprofit organizations and agencies. From the Clinton County Youth Council to Community Action Senior Services; from Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the American Red Cross; from Sugartree Ministries to Rainbow Village Child Care Center — United Way turns around the contributions its receives locally to directly support many needed services. The partner agencies of United Way provide an outstanding level of service which makes local residents and companies feel comfortable, and willing, to donate to United Way. With so many people struggling during this economic crisis, the need for these services, and for the support by local residents through United Way, is greater than ever.

The community responded in a big way. Twenty-five percent of Clinton County companies increased levels of giving to United Way over last year. Sixty-three percent of all the donations to United Way in Clinton County come from company employees. Kym Parks, executive director of the United Way of Clinton County, said the outpouring of support from local employees was amazing. We could not agree more.

Timbertech of Wilmington deserves special recognition for its outstanding involvement in this year’s United Way campaign. The company raised $130,000, nearly half of the total money given during the campaign. Timbertech saw 88 percent participation among its employees.

Considering the challenges this community has faced, due to job losses at the air park and the recession, what was accomplished during this fund-raising campaign was nothing short of fabulous. It is a credit to the United Way staff and campaign workers. But even greater credit is due to each individual who donated.