• Because it provides the opportunity through one gift to support 54 different programs through 33 health and human service agencies in Porter County.
• Because by providing support for these services, one can be assured that the money is distributed to needed human service programs that are appropriate for United Way support.
• Because the United Way agency and budget reviews provide assurance that the money goes to fund programs within agencies that are effective and economical.
• Because it helps to keep in existence programs which I might need someday if I have a problem.
• Because I can express through my gift my concern for those who need a helpful hand to pay all or part of the cost of services they need.

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• Because United Way supports services which address a range of high priority needs of Porter County people. If each of us gave only to our favorite agencies, many very worthwhile and needed services would be overlooked or neglected because they are not as well known or as popular.
• Because many of us do direct a portion of our charitable giving to those organizations in which we have a personal interest. The United Way was never designed to replace our personal commitments to our favorite causes. That is one reason why one hour's pay per month is used as a suggested giving guide for support of the United Way.

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• Many of the employed persons living in Porter County work outside Porter County. In most cases, these individuals can instruct their employers to withhold their United Way contributions through the payroll deduction plan and send it directly to the United Way of Porter County. Many people do not know this and it is important that we make it understood.

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• The people who live, work, and play in Porter County. As our population continues to grow, so does our need for United Way agency services. These needs and the potential for new contributions are the guidelines used by the volunteer United Way Board of Directors and the Allocations Committee to set each year's goal.

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• No! Governmental programs are limited to certain areas of service. United Way provides a way that local people can control needed programs and adjust them to fill the gaps left by other activities.

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• With 33 agencies combined in a single campaign, it is natural that some contributors have special interests in specific programs or agencies. Although we strongly support undesignated pledging, United Way respects any contributors desire to direct their gift. Therefore, any contributor may designate his/her gift of $25 or more to any 501(c)3 charity. The donor may also designate his/her gift to the United Way in their home community if they live outside Porter County.

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• Most people are concerned about their community and want to help those in need. They want to give what is appropriate. These standards have been suggested for several years now and have acceptance in the community. This acceptance is attested to by the fact that there are many thousands of people who give at these levels, and the number grows each year. However, how much you give is a personal decision.

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• Personal Responsibility - "Carry my share."
• Community Responsibility - "Keep this a good place to live."
• Security - "Solve the social problems or our society will fall."
• Self Respect - "I have done my part to help my community and it feels good."
• Self Interest - "Someday, I may need help."
• Mercy - "To help the unfortunate."
• Religion - "Do unto others." - "Do it unto one of the least of these."
• Fear - "So it won't happen to me."
• Be on the team - "My co-workers contribute."
• The right approach - "The most economical way to do the job."
• Last but not least - "Tax deductible."

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• They are free to select their best field of service.
• They can be innovative, trying new ways of services.
• They are flexible and can shift gears easily.
• They are on the spot locally and know the needs and people intimately.
• They can act before the fact rather than after. They can be serving to prevent social problems rather than only correct or contain them.

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• Because as our community grows, health and human service needs increase.
• Because costs continue to rise for the agencies just as they do for you and me.
• Because there are more of us which means more need help.
• Because we are trying to meet community needs as they currently exist and also to anticipate future needs as Porter County continues to grow.

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• Yes, labor organizations and members work together with management to make United Way a success. All levels of business and labor are represented on community-wide boards of the United Way and its member agencies.

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• Yes! A year-round pledge is the best way to make your contribution. Use the payroll deduction plan in your company, or if you prefer pay your pledge directly to the United Way office monthly, quarterly, or any plan of your choice.

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• If for any reason an emergency keeps you from paying all of your pledge, merely call the United Way office and your pledge will be adjusted to your convenience and satisfaction.

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• Every person who earns an income is asked to give. If you give according to your earnings and if your husband or wife gives according to his or her earnings, your combined gift will be a family gift representative of your combined income.

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