Alaska News

Our view: Generosity

You had to wonder if the folks at United Way of Anchorage knew what they were doing when they defied recession and doubt and raised their fundraising goal to $11 million in 2009.

They've got a chance.

Anchorage individuals and companies have responded to the challenge so far, pitching in $5.5 million in pledges and gifts. This money will go to dozens of organizations with four primary aims:

• Send kids to school ready to learn.

• Keep adolescents on track to graduate from high school and away from gangs, drugs and violence.

• Help Anchorage residents to safe housing and smart financial management.

• Help Anchorage residents to quality health care and healthier living.

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The idea is both to take care of such immediate needs as food and shelter and help people provide for themselves in the long term to create a more prosperous, safer, healthy place to live.

It's a long-haul job. But United Way is halfway to bankrolling it this year, and that reflects the generosity of Anchorage residents who are glad to give when the purpose is good and the way clear.

BOTTOM LINE: Want to help? Check out LIVEUNITEDANCHORAGE.ORG/Give.

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