This year marks one of the most historically devastating times ever experienced. Since March, we have been forced to expand every existing definition of disaster relief and community support needed. Each of us has been impacted directly or indirectly by this far-reaching pandemic.

For some, this time has brought incredible circumstances, including loss of a job, income, or even the loss of a loved one. Many of our neighbors who had always been on stable ground are finding themselves asking for help for the very first time. And others who were already struggling to make ends meet are falling deeper into poverty. The need is enormous.

As a lifelong resident of the St. Louis region, I have long known the generous and caring nature of those who support our United Way efforts. Through some of the most challenging times, our community has continued to come together to help one another, and this year has been no exception.

Within days of schools and businesses closing, we were not only receiving requests for help, but we were also receiving calls from people wanting to provide help – companies wanting to hold donation drives, families wanting to find safe or virtual volunteer opportunities, and so many people who wanted to give, even if it was just a little, to help their neighbors who were facing the unthinkable. And this sentiment has continued through United Way’s community campaign as thousands of companies – from small businesses to Fortune 500 – and people from all across the region united together with one goal in mind: to help our neighbors and give them hope during a time when we all need it. By standing together, we are positioning our region for an incredible tomorrow.

I want to take this time to thank you for your ongoing and longstanding support. Together, we are uniting to ensure millions of neighbors, family members, friends, loved ones, and colleagues have a vital safety net of agencies in place to provide needed wrap-around support. The services you are funding are helping people manage through hard times and positioning them to bounce back. Your support is ensuring our region is lifted in the face of adversity.

Let’s all take pride in living in a community full of generous people with such giving hearts who not only step up when called upon, but who also proactively give when they know the need is great.

Once again, thank you for all that you have done this year, St. Louis region. My heart is filled with gratitude.

Michelle Tucker is president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

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