A true success story (2/8/05)

Think of it as “the little engine that could.”

Everyone remembers the childhood story of the little train engine that made its way up a huge hill while chugging, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

It’s the perfect metaphor for this year’s United Way of Jay County campaign.

Faced with the enormous challenge of meeting a goal of $215,500 in economic circumstances which are still far from rosy, the campaign’s leaders and volunteers continued to plug away, working their way to the top of the hill and beyond.

On Friday, the fruits of their labors were announced. Some would call the results astonishing. After all, by raising more than $235,744 in cash and pledges, the 2004 campaign made history, establishing a new record.

But given the long history of hard work and success on the part of the United Way of Jay County, the campaign results were more a confirmation of a proud tradition rather than surprising.

Like “the little engine that could,” the United Way wasn’t daunted by the challenges it faced. It simply plugged away to get to where it needed to be.

Years ago, we noted that the true measure of a community isn’t its financial wealth but the generosity of its people. That’s never been truer than it is today.

And by that standard, Jay County measures up well. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]