The United Way of Wapello County has set a goal of $500,000 for this year’s campaign. A half-million dollars sounds like a lot of money. But, consider this.

United Way drew in $615,000 last year.

That’s a lot of money, and it all was needed. The local United Way helps support 17 agencies, from child care to medical or financial assistance and food programs. Troubled teenagers are served at American Home Finding. Those with mental difficulties find help at Southern Iowa Mental Health Center. Hospice of Davis and Wapello Counties offers a peaceful haven for loved ones facing their end of days, and for their families. Young minds and bodies are helped by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, along with the YMCA which serves all ages. The Salvation Army, Crisis Center, Outreach Ministry, Iowa Legal Aid, Red Cross, SIEDA and Friends of Iowa CASA & ICFCRB help those in times of need. Tenco Industries Inc. provides jobs for workers who may not be able to find a job elsewhere. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides social outlets for younger children. RSVP helps senior citizens in many ways.

A United Way donation can be all inclusive — you are helping many people with one donation.

“Our goals are to raise as much money as we can,” said Desiree Johnson, United Way’s executive director.

The campaign is now under way, and the highlight will be Wednesday, designated as this year’s Day of Caring. That’s when many people volunteer to give a few hours out of the day to do some good works at one of the 17 partner agencies. Businesses allow employees to help out by doing clerical work, visiting young children, and helping clean up areas or buildings. Each of the partner agencies has various activities for volunteers willing to give of themselves for a couple of hours.

For many of us, the giving can be a donation — a check for as much as you can, because it can help so many people.

In today’s economic woes coupled with natural disasters some of our fellow citizens have been through, more financial help is needed than ever.

But, also because of those reasons, Johnson said her board and United Way officials decided to set a goal of $500,000, which is less than what was received last year.

Tough the needs may be greater, pocketbooks can only stretch so far.

United Way realizes that, yet urges caring people to come up with as much as they can.

We hope that you do. Many in our big Ottumwa area community need help.

Let’s do our part and give what we can.

Call United Way at (641) 682-1264 and find out how you can help.