The people of this community have come through once again for the agencies funded by the Greater Valdosta United Way. After weeks of extending the United Way campaign, the organization exceeded its 2005-06 goal of $1.25 million last week for a final tally of $1,250,100.
That is great news for the 27 agencies that rely on the United Way. Money from the organization goes to the area food bank, shelters, children’s programs and emergency-relief programs. The United Way helps programs in agencies where you, your family, your friends or your neighbors may participate.
Affecting this year’s campaign was the number of relief efforts conducted nationally. People from this area touched by the plight of Hurricane Katrina victims gave generously as news reports came from storm-savaged New Orleans and Mississippi. It seemed at times that the community had given all it could during a year when natural disasters impacted so many Americans.
With United Way still short of its goal by 25 percent in December, a final push was made to ensure that local organizations wouldn’t be forced to deny services. More donations arrived, and money came in from the ebay auction. The final red mark on the United Way’s thermometer Friday indicated the community still had something left to give.
Those who donated can carry with them the good feeling that their money will help others here in the Greater Valdosta area. Agencies like the Salvation Army and the Children’s Advocacy Center that do great work all year will continue to do so thanks to donors’ generosity. It is a fitting testament to the open-hearted nature of this community.
What We Think
OUR OPINION: Community comes through for United Way
- What We Think
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
