Congressional Record

Mr. President, I am pleased to congratulate the United Way on its 125th anniversary.  The organization began in 1887 as a community endeavor in Denver, and it spread throughout the country.

Today, the United Way includes almost 1,800 community-based organizations in the United States and 40 other countries and territories.  It applies the nearly $5 billion it raises annually to provide for the common good in communities all over the world.

I am proud that my state of Mississippi is home to dozens of nonprofit United Way organizations.  With their network of partners, these groups do remarkable work to gather private resources and generate volunteer services from all ages to address the educational, health and income problems faced by children, families and seniors.

Projects like the “Back 2 School Resource Fair” hosted by the United Way of Northeast Mississippi, the “Summer Youth Corps” volunteer program run by the United Way of the Capital Area, and the “Literacy Kit Workshop” sponsored by the United Way of South Mississippi are just a very small sample of ongoing activities carried out to help improve our state.

In addition, Mississippians are grateful for the helping hand the United Way provides when disasters strike.  United Way volunteers from Mississippi and around the nation were among the thousands of people who came to the aid of my state following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  More recently, the United Way stepped up to assist those hurt by tornadoes in northeast Mississippi and historic flooding throughout the Mississippi River delta.

The United Way has recorded an outstanding history of accomplishment in its 125 years.  It has done so by joining forces with everyone from the individual giver to Fortune 500 partners.

I am pleased to be able to join in commending this organization for its good works, and I look forward to its continued success.