United Way success clearly no accident

These are not the best of times on the Hi-Line, however, the Hill County United Way did a great job of raising money this year. Thanks to the group's efforts and the big hearts of Hill County residents, the United Way can continue to provide the money needed for Hill County charities it supports.

No one could have blamed the United Way if this year's fund raising failed to measure up to recent efforts. Everyone is aware that Hill County's economy is not booming. Farm commodities prices that are at all time record lows have hit hard Hi-line communities like Havre. When agriculture suffers everyone feels the pinch on main street. The recent national boom economy seems to have bypassed our state. When Hill County United Way Director Bob Rice reported that the group raised more than $100,000, the best annual total in recent memory, we were delighted, but not surprised.

Hill County is known for neighbor helping neighbor. However, the United Way workers deserve a lion's share of the credit. Beginning with their kick off luncheon, the committee was organized and worked well together to succeed. The committee added new fund-raisers like a Monday Night Football Party to proven projects. The United Way should be applauded for not letting the current economic mood dampen its efforts.

The 18 local organizations that the United Way provides funds for will reap the benefits of these fund-raising efforts. The real winners are the countless people those groups help each day in Hill County.

We at the Havre Daily News would like to offer our appreciation to all who donated, and for the hard work put in by those involved with this year's Hill County United Way, and congratulate all involved on a job well done.