To the editor:

The United Way of Douglas County kickoff rally for the 2003-2004 fund-raising campaign in September included an exciting progress report from the Pacesetter businesses and organizations. Each of the 15 Pacesetter groups started their employee campaigns in August and reported increased numbers of donations and higher dollar totals than the year before.

Thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of dozens of the Pacesetter group leaders and the United Way volunteers, the campaign theme, “Your Gift Matters,” is inspiring more people to participate by making a donation or pledge. The theme emphasizes that every gift, small or large, to our community United Way helps the 28 agencies provide much-needed services to thousands of our fellow citizens. Since our local United Way is independent and community-based, more than 99 percent of every dollar stays and works right here in Douglas County.

Letters are going out to thousands of citizens, and many businesses and organizations are now conducting their employee-led United Way drives. This year’s campaign includes a special appeal to citizens who “live here, work there” to designate their United Way pledge (through payroll deduction) back to Douglas County, or to donate directly to the Douglas County United Way. Because we are fortunate to live in a caring community, we have every reason to expect that more people will give this year, so the United Way, through its agencies, can meet the needs of our fellow citizens. Thank you, in advance, for your donation. Your gift really does matter!

Ted Haggart,

campaign chair