As the parent of two pre-schoolers, I often play the game “how are these things alike?” If you’re reading this, you’re much more sophisticated than my kids, but indulge me for a minute and play along.
Question: What do all of these bits of Janet-trivia have in common?
- When we were looking for child care for our first baby, my husband and I turned to the Child Day Care Association of St. Louis for advice, resources, and even the files for the providers we were considering.
- One of my nephews went through the Wyman Center’s teen leadership program and is now working his way through college.
- Another nephew, after many years in the Boy Scouts, made Eagle Scout not too long ago.
- Earlier this year, my family joined our local YMCA so we can do our best to live a little healthier lifestyle.
Sure, I work for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter, a proud United Way member agency. So in my work, I see how the United Way’s support helps people in need, every day.
But the United Way is also a part of the fabric of my community, and my life. The examples above are just a few of the ways that I know the United Way’s support has touched my own family through the many agencies it supports. And as my kids grow and my parents age, I know that it won’t be the last time.
So I work for a United Way member agency, and like so many family members, friends, neighbors, and community members, am served by United Way member agencies. And I give what I can to support the annual United Way campaign.
If you haven’t already made your pledge to the United Way during this campaign, I encourage you to do so. Every little bit helps.
By going to the
United Way's website, you can learn more about the United Way, see the many agencies it supports, and even make a pledge on-line.
Janet Oriatti is the grants supervisor for the St. Louis Area Chapter.