Your United Way gift may help people in time of need

When United Way representatives come to visit, please say “Yes.”

Say “Yes,” because the 16 United Way agencies need your support to assist the people of Rowan County. If you say “No,” one day when you or your family needs assistance from one of these agencies, they might not be there, because you did not support the United Way.

How much does your life or the life of someone in your family mean to you? If you’re like me, you would say, “more than money can buy.” This is why your answer should always be “yes, I will be more than happy to contribute.”

April is Sexual Assault awareness month. One out of every five women and one out of every eight men are reported to have been raped in their lifetime.

How much would you be willing to donate to prevent this rape, or how much would you pay to have someone there to take victims by the hand, lead them through this terrible experience and bring healing and closure on this heinous crime?

Family Crisis Council has been a United Way Agency since 1970. In 2016 we provided 99 women, children and men a safe haven. We have answered 712 crisis calls. Through our shelter, crisis line, court advocacy, hospital response, group sessions, individual counseling and education in our community, we have served 2,859 individuals.

United Way provides 20 percent of our annual budget. We could not continue to provide services to victims of abuse without this money.

When United Way comes knocking, please say “Yes.” It should be one of the first donations you make in 2017. If you are ready to give today mail your check to 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W # A, Salisbury, NC 28147 or visit the website at rowanunitedway.org and make a donation online.

— Renee Bradshaw

Salisbury

Bradshaw is executive director of the Family Crisis Council, a United Way Agency.

In tune on the symphony

Bravo to Dottie Clement for her insightful letter (“Which news stories belong on front page of the paper?” on April 19) concerning the Salisbury Symphony and its importance to our community.

— Mary Katherine Ingle Clark

Salisbury