The year 2011 is now in the books and a new year and new opportunity is upon us. In 2012, we have an opportunity to help those in need by donating to organizations like the United Way.

The week, the United Way announced it had surpassed its goals and last year’s total, which means it will be able to increase support to local organizations like the Bosco Nutrition Center and Sabra Sanctuary by 20 percent.

To say this is a big deal for our community would be an understatement. With more and more people finding themselves out of work, and the groups that provide relief seeing less grant money, it’s more important than ever for the United Way to step up.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, many who have fallen on hard times will have the support they need to get back on their feet.

Thanks to those who signed up during the 2011 fundrasing campaign, the United Way’s partner organizations have been able to answer the call when needed. Let’s make sure the same is true for 2012. There are several ways to give. The United Way accepts one time gifts, payroll deductions and a number of other methods for donations. If you did not support the United Way in 2011, we highly recommend doing some research into just how much this organization impacts Selma and Dallas County.

The United Way has been there for so many people through the years. Let’s make sure we are there to keep these services going strong.