United Way organizations across the country serve their communities by connecting those in need to resources to support them as they face their challenges.

“When you donate to United Way, you help kids succeed. You help adults secure jobs. And you help families become healthier. Your support fuels our mission and creates stronger communities where all can thrive,” according to its website.

Plenty of financial support comes from individuals, of course, but there are also reliable community partners who make a big difference for the organization. One of those partners is the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health, which across five years of giving has donated a total of $506,000.

This year, Highmark gave $102,000 in grants to United Way organizations across the state, with larger grants going to regions with higher concentrations of Highmark West Virginia members. Among those receiving the $25,000 awards was the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, which serves Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wood counties in West Virginia, as well as organizations in Athens and Washington counties in Ohio. It partners with both the West Virginia and Ohio 211 systems for information and referrals.

“This generous support from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health allows us to continue providing vital resources and programs to individuals and families in need,” Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said. “We are grateful for this ongoing partnership and the impact it has on our communities.”

Indeed, we are all grateful for such support.

In announcing the grants, Highmark West Virginia president-elect Jay Sheehy said “We are delighted to contribute to the important work of United Way organizations across the Mountain State, helping them to create positive change in the lives of families and residents.”

That kind of positive change is as important now as it ever has been.

So, while we give our thanks to Highmark, we must hope its gift inspires others to make a difference, too.