United Way helped more than 32,000 people living in Wyoming Valley last year. To understand just how much of an impact the United Way has on our community, please consider this:

• As of March 2011 unemployment rate was 9.5 in Luzerne County. In 2007, the unemployment rate was just 4.9.  Last year, United Way met the basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and fuel and utility assistance of almost 6,300 low-income households, helping them to stay in their homes.

• 85% of all crime is drug related, and in 2009, Luzerne County had 779 drug possession offenses. In the past year, the United Way has provided more than 2,500 people with drug and alcohol prevention education and counseling.

These numbers are your neighbors, your friends, your family. We care about you and are here to help but we can't do it alone. Thank you for helping us make our community a better place for all to live. Invest in the future of you and your family by supporting United Way.