Through a vast network of volunteers and human service agencies, United Way helps meet the health and human care needs of hundreds of people in our community every day. United Way of America's 80-year history is built on the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own communities. For more information on United Way of America, visit www.unitedway.org.

• Through a single community-wide campaign, United Way volunteers raise funds to support local agency service providers. Apart from the government, United Ways support the greatest variety of health and human services in the country.

• The United Way system includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers.

• In United Way of Central Virginia's 2006 campaign, just over $3.5 million was raised. Also in 2006, Partner Agencies received $2,354,143 in funding from the 2005 campaign and changed the lives of over 100,000 people by providing human services ranging from disaster relief, emergency food and shelter and crisis intervention to day care, physical rehabilitation and youth development.

• Because of the vast network of volunteers, administrative expenses for United Way of Central Virginia is less than 17 percent of all funds raised. This low figure compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 30 percent.