As we come to the end of another year, I want to say thank you for your continuing support of the annual United Way campaign.

We're not done; there's still some time for our community to show its generosity again.

Some of you may not realize that more than 15 of the United Way partner agencies provide direct services to

Sequim area residents. This translates to more than 20,000 provisions of service right here.

And for the agencies that do not provide direct service here, their programs and services are just as important. Whether we live in Sequim, Port Angeles, Forks or anywhere in between, we all are part of a larger peninsula community.

Sometime we truly could be stuck out here by ourselves and should remember that we must be able to count on each other.



Help through tough times

In this year, more than before, we need to do our best to ensure that the overall funding goal of the United Way is met. These agencies deal with many of the core programs - food, clothing, health and social services - that help people make it through tough times.

I want to say thank you to all who have given this year in support of these services and ask those of you who haven't yet to please think about helping before the year end.

The funds raised through this annual campaign stay in our community and help our friends, neighbors and families. You should have received a mailer from the United Way but if you didn't or have misplaced it, please call the office at 457-3011.

My wish for you all is a healthy, happy holiday season

and a new year full of possibilities.



Sharon DelaBarre is the chairwoman of the Sequim United Way 2009 campaign.