In a time when many people in our country are hurting, we also need to remember our local needs.

The United Way of Freeborn County kicked off its annual fundraising drive Thursday. This year’s goal is $520,000, which will be divided between 18 local charities.

The beauty of the United Way campaign is that it’s one-stop giving for those who want to help. And nearly all the money raised stays right here in the community. What’s more, many employers are able to do payroll deductions, so if people choose they can spread their giving out over the year and hardly notice it’s gone from their paychecks.

Local charities which receive funds from UWFC include American Red Cross, Arc Freeborn County, Crime Victim’s Crisis Center, Freeborn County Chemical Dependency Center and many others.

The United Way helps people avoid or deal with personal disasters right here in this county. The United Way of Freeborn County estimates its services helped 13,488 people in Albert Lea and 15,156 people in Freeborn County

in 2004.

We’re not discouraging people from helping other parts of the country at this time of disaster. If they are at all able to help, we urge them do so. But we also hope they’ll remember those right here at home with needs.

Please give to our local United Way.