United Way of Anderson County is so thankful to everyone who supports this organization. While service to our community is what drives our existence, it is also because of our community that we can help so many. Here are five creative ways you can give to United Way and join our 2015 Campaign!

Running a successful nonprofit is not for the faint of heart. It takes strategy, charisma, patience, and a strong will. Managing United Way of Anderson County, one of the 1,200 branches that make up United Way Worldwide, further requires knowledge and love for the community and a passion for its people.

Early this month, amidst the chaos and hustle of changes in staff and the ramp up for this year’s campaign, we received some surprising and exciting news: United Way of Anderson County had been named as a beneficiary of a trust, and would be receiving a generous donation from the late Charles Klabunde.

This time of year we get a lot of calls from families desperately in need of help - help to keep their lights on, to see a doctor, to feed their children, to find a place to say, or to find a way for Santa to visit their children. Just yesterday we received a call from a man who sounded hopeless, defeated, and unsure of where to turn. John, a father of three needed help for his family - as we usually do...

Donating to charity is a selfless act. You offer something of your own--money, clothes, food, time--without expecting anything in payment or return. As such, we rarely consider the benefits giving has for us as the givers. However, research on altruism has revealed some surprising insights: the very act of giving makes the giver happy.

For many small community businesses, it can seem daunting to participate in large fundraising campaigns. Typical methods of corporate fundraising and donation - such as payroll deduction - place unwanted pressure on a limited number of employees, and large corporate donations are difficult for small business owners to match.