Salina Area United Way is a local, independently operated, volunteer directed organization that began in 1936 as the Salina Community Chest. The focus of Salina Area United Way is to improve the quality of life for our local community and surrounding area. The United Way of America is a national service and training center based in Virginia. Its purpose is to provide leadership, training and a wide variety of support services to more than 1,400 community-based United Ways across the nation.

An 18-member Board of Directors is comprised of local volunteers from across the community. The volunteers are responsible for setting policies and overseeing every aspect of the Salina Area United Way. Professional staff manage day-to-day activities. The 2009 Board President is Beth Vinson. The Executive Director is Andy Martin. If you have more questions, please call (785) 827-1312.

When you give to United Way, you entrust your hard-earned dollars to a local organization that takes this trust very seriously. The organization is committed to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. United Way volunteers oversee allocations to all local programs, conduct annual on-site visits and closely monitor agency services. Just as important, Salina Area United Way's own operating expenses and records are audited by an independent auditing firm and carefully scrutinized by budget volunteers to protect this trust.

No. United Way is a community-wide effort. All local media make a strong commitment to deliver important information at no cost to the donor. All television advertising during national football games and the Superbowl is donated by the NFL. This has been a 28-year commitment to support health and human service work in local communities across the country.

Yes. All United Way contributions are tax deductible if you itemize your tax return. No goods or services are provided in exchange for the contribution.

Information is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through United Way 2-1-1. Anyone can access this service by calling 2-1-1 from any land line phone and most cell phones. Call 2-1-1 for local and statewide information about our community's human service agencies. This information is also available through the Internet: http://www.salhelp.org or http://www.211kansas.org.

Chances are, you or someone you know has benefited from Salina Area United Way's work or that of a participating agency. United Way supported services touch the lives of people in our community every day of the year. You are an exception if you, your family, or someone you know hasn't been touched by United Way services. Job loss, natural disasters, disabilities, family problems and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. You never know when you, a member of your family, or a neighbor may need a United Way service. It's comforting to know you've helped ensure they will be there improving the quality of life in our community.

The best way to help the most people and make the greatest impact is to give to the United Way Community Fund. Experienced community volunteers make sure donations are wisely spent in this community. This allows for funds to go to lesser known but important programs. United Way reviews the performance of agencies that are funded. United Way targets funds to meet important community needs and priorities.

No. Salina Area United Way does not share, trade, or sell any list of donors to any other person or group.

United Way and other affiliated organizations need and appreciate volunteer participation. Contact United Way, 827-1312 or The Volunteer Connection, 823-3128 for more information.