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Organizations that have served area residents for nearly 100 years have certainly been doing something right.
An example is the United Way of Jefferson County. With roots that go back to 1931 when the Community Chest of Steubenville was formed, the United Way and the agencies its fundraising efforts help to support continue to make a positive impact in the lives of area residents.
It's important work, and it's not always easy. That's why events such as the annual Ken Perkins Day of Action are so important to the organization.
"By you being here today, you are showing that you have the desire to assist the United Way in our mission of providing the tools needed to support our agencies and what they have to offer," explained Laura Rauch, executive director of the organization.
Rauch was speaking during the annual campaign kickoff, which was held Aug. 29 in the JeffCo Events Center. After the volunteers who had gathered enjoyed a breakfast prepared by Scaffidi's Restaurant and Tavern, many would spread out throughout the area to work on projects at local nonprofits.
"Each year we are tasked with raising $325,000 to support our 13 local agencies who help so many people in Jefferson County who are in vulnerable situations," Rauch continued. "There are needs that you and I might take for granted, but they are needs that are dire for some."
Those agencies and other efforts by the United Way touch the lives of more than 15,000 people throughout the county.
Their services range from food pantries to places where victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can find help. They touch residents of all ages and people in all circumstances of life.
Honoring Perkins was an appropriate way to get the campaign going. The owner of Tri-State Financial Services has a long history of involvement with the United Way -- serving as a board member and president and helping to organize many special events including numerous poker runs, a sports auction and Jazz in the Garden.
Thanks to the United Way, area residents can utilize the 2-1-1 service to get help and answers to questions 24 hours a day and the organization's United Sole program and its major sponsor, the Cardinal Operating Co., help to make sure area children have a new pair of shoes to start the school year.
And, with the exception of Rauch, all of that work is done by volunteers. That roster includes Ted Gorman, who is serving as board president.
The principal at Steubenville High School, Gorman recalled a recent conversation he had with an old classmate and friend, and how that friend's family had helped him through some rough situations.
"I come from humble beginnings," Gorman said. "We had eight kids in our family, and the family was dysfunctional.
"When I think about those times, I think about John Downard and his family helping me out and supporting me," Gorman added.
"And I think about the people who are in this room today. They are here for the right reasons -- to help our community grow."
Gorman is proud that he wears many hats in that community. In addition to his work in education, he helps run local youth ball programs and finds time to serve as Steubenville's Fifth Ward councilman.
"Probably my favorite job is being high school principal," he added. "I have the honor and privilege to serve those kids and that staff."
Rauch, Gorman, the board members and other volunteers have a lot on their plates during the coming months. The United Way of Jefferson County Yard Sale (an event formerly known as the Eastern Gateway Community College Yard Sale) will be held Sept. 14 in the parking lot at EGCC after being postponed from this weekend.
Then on Sept. 21, the United Way will present the fourth-annual Suzanne Kresser Memorial 5K Run-Walk at Jim Wood Park in Steubenville. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the competition set to begin at 8:30 a.m. It's held in honor of Kresser, a former executive director of the United Way who was heavily involved in many community events and activities until her death from cancer in June 2021 at the age of 51.
Oct. 9 will see the return to the St. Florian Event Center of one of the most-anticipated charity events of the year -- the annual Taste of Jefferson County. It will give area residents a chance to sample offerings from numerous local restaurants and bakeries while raising money for the United Way.
And everything happens thanks to those who make monetary donations -- Perkins and his wife, Becky, made the first donation to the 2025 campaign during the Day of Action breakfast -- and the hundreds of volunteers who turn out whenever they are asked -- like those who helped with projects later that day, actions that never go unnoticed.
"I cannot thank you enough for giving up your time and helping out in the community," Gorman said.
(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. He has served as a board member and board president of the United Way of Jefferson County.)