Kudos to Ann Austin on her article in Sunday’s edition of the Albert Lea Tribune! The title of the article was “We cannot do this without community.”

And how true that is.

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of United Way for the past three years, as well as a volunteer at the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Hayward Township a few weeks ago. What a wonderful opportunity for the DeVries family as well as Freeborn County. For those of you who missed Ann’s article, I would strongly suggest you check it out on the Tribune’s Web site. She says, “By giving of ourselves, we show that we care about others, we care about our community and we believe we can make a difference through our actions. By giving of ourselves, we also show that we are thankful for what we have and grateful for the help we’ve received from others.”

The United Way services 19 agencies, focusing on four essential needs in Freeborn County. Nurturing children and families, assisting people in crisis, increasing self sufficiency and supporting older people. As I look around the community and see all the individuals and businesses that reached out to the DeVries family, I can’t help but think what we could do for the 27,000 people of Freeborn County who use the 19 United Way agencies every year. Just think if you broke down the United Way’s budget of $592,000 by the 31,000 people in our county. That’s 37 cents a week per person.

How many of us spent $3.50 on a gallon of gas to drive by the makeover site or took time off work to volunteer. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. That’s what it means to Live United. Please check out Ann’s article and remember to support the United Way!

Melissa Bakken

Albert Le