Through the years, more than $250,000 has been raised to help inhabitants of Will County to enjoy a happier holiday season. Though the past several years have been particularly challenging for those who have suffered reduced wages, unemployment and foreclosure, even those in dire straits have managed to donate a few dollars to help others.

Last year, The Herald-News teamed up with the United Way of Will County to enhance the effectiveness of the Herald Angels.

United Way of Will County works with local volunteers to identify and solve critical issues faced by many Will County residents. Each dollar United Way of Will County raises is accounted for. Each dollar donated goes to provide service and programs for your neighbors.

Neighbors in need

Through the United Way, the Herald Angels will fund the Senior Services Center of Will County, Catholic Charities Daybreak Center and Joliet Area Hospice Home.

Senior Services Center provides programs for the county’s most vulnerable population. Seniors can count on in-home care, health screenings, nutrition, recreational and educational programs and more.

With the significant increase in foreclosures, many families are finding themselves without shelter.

Daybreak Center provides a 24-hour shelter with on-site support services for homeless individuals. The agency also provides emergency assistance for food, rent, utilities and more as well as transitional housing for single mothers.

Joliet Area Hospice Home provides compassionate end-of-life support for terminally ill patients and their families. The hospice’s goal isto provide comprehensive, holistic, community-based support services and care for those with terminal illness, their caregivers, and loved ones without regard to economic status; to enable the dying person to live peacefully, in comfort and with dignity, to the last moment of life.

By supporting these programs, we hope to provide a wide range of services to the many families and individuals having a difficult time coping.

Serving our communities

Currently, 47 agencies are in the United Way of Will County’s membership, and the amount raised in the 2009/2010 campaign was just over $3.7 million.

The United Way funds 46 local organizations that help one in four Will County residents. Ninety-nine cents of every dollar collected goes directly back into the community.

By joining forces with the United Way, we hope to make even more of an impact this year for the many families and individuals having difficulties making ends meet in an increasingly hostile economy.

Your donation of $5 or $10 is enough to help feed a family or provide shelter for someone out in the cold this holiday season. If you are unable to donate funds, many agencies desperately need volunteers. If you have a special talent or just want to help your fellow human beings, call the United Way at 815-723-2500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              815-723-2500      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for recommendations.