To the Editor:
It's that time of year again when the good people of Carlton County are asked to make a difference in the lives of people in our community. Here are some of the top reasons why this year your support through our United Way is needed more than ever!
The Salvation Army served 87 new clients at their Food Shelf in September, which was double the amount served in August, and we have not hit the cold months yet.
Carlton County's Domestic and Sexual Abuse Program experienced a major increase in people seeking their assistance in the last two quarters. In addition, other Carlton County agencies have been referring more clients to them because the need for assistance with the pro se paperwork for divorces, changes in parenting time, and support and collections have increased. People need services but do not have the money to pay for them anymore.
There has been an increase in battered spouses returning to their abusers due to economic reasons.
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The Volunteer Attorney Program has seen a big increase the last few months of individuals who should be "judgment proof," but are having their social security checks garnished. The need for legal help for lower income individuals or people on fixed incomes has increased.
These are only a few trends that some of our United Way agencies are seeing. In the United Way Office alone, more homeless individuals are walking through the doors than ever before. These individuals rely on programs such as the Food Shelf and Outreach Center.
Please know that any support the people of Carlton County can give would be more than appreciated - It could be life saving for some.
We are very fortunate in our community to have many caring and wonderful people. As chair of this year's local United Way campaign, I'd like to thank the numerous individuals and businesses that support the United Way of Carlton County.
If you have already contributed to the United Way of Carlton County, thank you. If you have not yet given to this year's campaign, it is not too late. Send your contribution to: UWCC, 202 Avenue C, Box 250, Cloquet, MN 55720.
Thank you, and just a reminder that when we fall on difficult economic times it becomes more important for those of us who have the ability to give more step up and do so. Many of our friends and neighbors will need the services of one of the United Way sponsored agencies and this is our chance to help them when they need it the most.
Kerry Rodd, Chair
2008 United Way of Carlton County Campaign
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*Editor's Note: Rodd is also a sports writer for the Pine Journal.
