FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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FAQ

Why shouldn't I give only to my favorite agency?
Can't government agencies do the same job the United Way does?
May I designate my gifts?
Why am I asked to consider giving one month's pay per month?
Why do people give to the United Way?
What can voluntary agencies do that is better than some other ways of meeting needs?
Why are the needs so great and why do they continue to increase?
Are labor and management both behind the United Way?
Is a payroll deduction pledge better than a cash gift?
What if I can't pay my pledge?
Should we both give?

 

Q. Why shouldn't I give only to my favorite agency?

A. Because United Way provides a range of high priority needs of Wexford County residents. 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 popular.

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Q. Can't government agencies do the same job the United Way does?

A. No, government 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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Q. May I designate my gifts?

A. Yes, you can! However, we strongly support undesignated pledging. With eighteen agencies combined in a single campaign, we understand your special interests. Be assured that the allocations panel has done their homework on the agencies that apply for funding. We will do our best to provide the services that are needed the most to area residents. If you would like to designate, your contribution of $25 or more to any 501 (c) 3 agency will be honored. United Way respects any contributor's desire to direct their gift.

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Q. Why am I asked to consider giving one hour's pay per month?

A. What you give is a personal decision. Most people want to do the right thing in supporting a program such as the United Way, so the suggested giving guide was adopted. This is only a suggestion. The choice, of course, is up to you.

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Q. Why do people give to United Way?

A.
- Personal Responsibility - "Carry my fair share."
- Community Responsibility - "Keep this a great community."
- Security - "Helps to solve the social problems we face in Wexford County."
- Self Respect - "It makes me feel that I have done my part to help my community."
- 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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Q. What can voluntary agencies do that is better than some other ways of meeting needs?

A.
- They are free to select their best field of service.
- They can be innovative, trying new ways to serve.
- 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 dislocation rather than only to correct it.

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Q. Why are the needs so great and why do they continue to increase?

A.
- As our community grows, health and human services needs increase.
- Costs continue to rise for the agencies just as they do for you and me.
- There are more of us, which means more help is needed.
- We are facing up to trying to meet community needs as they currently exist and also anticipating future needs as Wexford County continues to grow.

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Q. Are labor and management both behind the United Way?

A. Yes, labor organizations and members work together with management to make Unite 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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Q. Is a payroll deduction pledge better than a cash gift?

A. 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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Q. What if I can't pay my pledge?

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

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Q. Should we both give?

A. Every person who earns an income is asked to participate. If you give according to your earnings and if your spouse give according to his or her earning, your combined gift will be a family gift representative of your combined income.

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