With the holiday season upon us, many of us are concerned with how the current economic crisis will impact our own families. Here in Hall County, we are blessed to be a part of a giving and caring community that understands the need to reach out beyond our own families and help others.

I have been fortunate to see the tremendous compassion and generosity provided by so many people in our community. Good communities survive in difficult times but great communities will find new opportunities to become even better.

Certainly, Hall County is one of those great communities. We all benefit when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, when adults obtain skills to become self-sufficient and when neighbors receive the medical care that they need.

United Way of Hall County is one example of what makes our community great. United Way exists for one reason: to unite us in identifying and addressing the issues that affect all of us.

United Way crosses the boundaries of race, gender, socioeconomics and faith to achieve positive results that make Hall County a better place to live. United Way of Hall County supports a wide range of nonprofit agencies and programs that serve residents in Hall County. The funds are raised locally and stay local so that your support can help those that live with you and around you.

This year, we are asking everyone to "Live United" by donating time through volunteer efforts, following your passion to address specific needs in our community or giving your resources to help our nonprofit agencies succeed. Your contribution will ensure that our children and youth receive the tools necessary to transition to successful adulthood and it will help adults in our community obtain the support needed to improve their quality of life.

But this is not just something to believe during the holiday season; it's real, every day. Your support is needed today as much as ever with the growing demands for services in our community. It takes all of us working together to Live United and create a brighter future for Hall County.

To give of your time or resources, please contact United Way of Hall County at 770-536-1121. Thanks so much to everyone that continues to provide support. You make a greater difference than you probably ever imagined.

Darrell Snyder is area manager for Georgia Power and 2008 campaign chairman for United Way of Hall County.