Let’s get to work.

Last month I was fortunate enough to go to Washington, D.C. to witness the inauguration of our 44th President. In his inaugural address, President Obama called our nation to a renewed sense of service and selflessness to help those less fortunate. Although this is certainly a worthy calling, I want to point out that central Iowa already does a bang-up job when it comes to helping others.


• According to the Corporation for National and Community Service the state of Iowa ranked 6th in the nation and Des Moines ranked 10th out of 75 mid-size cities for volunteer service (based on 2008 data).
• In the midst of the current economic downturn, central Iowan’s pledged a record $25,012,240 to UWCI.
• Responding to the flooding that hit Des Moines in 2008, UWCI helped mobilize over 3,000 volunteers within 48 hours to help people and property threatened by rising waters.
• UWCI raised more dollars per capita in Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties in the last two years than any other United Way in the country.

These are stats we can all be proud of, but with that pride we should acknowledge that our work is not done. Especially now, in this down economy, families need help more than ever. Far too many people struggle to make ends meet in central Iowa despite working two or more jobs. Far too many men, women and children spend their nights without shelter. Far too many students drop out of our schools and lack mentors who can model leadership and provide encouragement. Far too many families turn to food banks to keep from going hungry.

I could go on but the point here is that with the continued support of financial contributors, volunteers and people helping people we will be able to tackle and reduce the challenges facing our communities. So let’s get to work!