In less than a month, the Harrison County United Way will kick off its fund-raising campaign for the new year. The money you contribute will help to fund 22 social service agencies that help thousands of people each year.

Many of the agencies you already know: The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the People's Hospice and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

But there are many lesser-known agencies that you help, and their services are just as important.

Senior Care of North Central West Virginia offers day care for senior citizens. CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocate System, helps keep kids in foster care from falling through the cracks in the courts.

Most of these agencies survive not only because of your United Way contributions, but also by the invaluable contributions of time and effort by hundreds of volunteers.

This is a community that helps those who can't help themselves. These agencies and the people who work for them deserve our support.

Your contribution to the Harrison County United Way stays in Harrison County. Only 8 cents out of every dollar goes toward administration of the United Way. The rest goes to the 22 agencies. That's a pretty good bang for your buck.

The United Way's 10th annual Day in the Park will be held Sept. 10 at Clarksburg City Park in Nutter Fort. It's an opportunity to have fun with your family, but it also gives you a chance to visit all 22 booths manned by United Way agencies.

We hope you stop by and have a fun day in the park and learn more about how the United Way makes a difference in Harrison County.