While the economy has shown a little bounce-back, many people don't have extra money to spare. But the fall is the start of a critical point in the year for the United Way and the agencies they help fund through fundraising.
New bride Becca Shapiro has seen plenty of money flying out the door, yet she still finds a way to give.
"It's still important. (You) have to pick and choose what you connect to and works for you personally," Shapiro said.
At the United Way of Central Ohio, that is good to hear -- especially when economic gloom and doom isn't completely gone.
"When you have the economy the way it is, we are not going to be able to set a goal that is a record goal," said Kermit Whitfield with United Way of Central Ohio.
Last year the group didn't set a goal, and the donations fell about $10 million less than the year before.
"We know we could do so much more for our programs," Whitfield said.
One group that gets help from the United Way is St. Stephen's Community House, and the child care program.
"Self sufficiency is something that moves families forward so they are not going to services over and over again," said Michelle Mills, President & CEO of St. Stephen's Community House.
They focus on cradle to career, and the $600,000 from the United Way makes it possible.
"They need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to be that light," Mills said.
This year, the United Way is preaching positive and proactive, working on trying to get better and still find a way to raise money.
"We've always said, 'Give what you can.' And the model of a workplace campaign makes that easier," Whitfield said.
That is easier said than done for Matia Branham. She's the new mom of a 3-month-old baby.
"We are penny pinching around every corner, every corner," Branham said.
But she still finds a way to give each pay period, and for the United Way, that giving makes all the difference.
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