In times of crisis and disaster, we often are called upon to show our support to those directly affected by these tragedies. Whether it's locally with the 1997 Red River flood, nationally with 9-11 or globally with the tsunami and London bombings, we in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and the local area have rallied time and time again to demonstrate just how much we truly care about the victims.

Therefore, it is no surprise that we now are witnessing the overwhelming response from our community for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. From local fund-raisers and relief shipments to volunteers traveling to the devastated areas along the Gulf Coast, residents from our area are demonstrating just how much they truly do care. We also know that the "caring" will continue for a very long time after the rescue/relief phase of this disaster is well over.

During the rescue/relief phase, our country's first responders are immediately at the scene. These include the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, both which have local chapters and are supported by your community's United Way campaign. As a result, we issued an appeal in the form of a press release Sept. 1. In it, we encouraged individuals who wanted to show that they cared for the victims of the hurricane to donate directly to their national organizations.

Second, we "loaned" our own CEO to a national recovery effort being led by the United Way of America. We sent Pat Berger, the president of the Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Area United Way, to Washington, D.C. She was picked by Brian Gallagher, United Way of America's president, to serve on a national U.W.A. task force. The task force is developing strategies and providing support to address the long-term needs of individuals and communities affected by the enormous destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

Unlike the role of first responders who rescue and provide immediate relief of food and shelter, United Ways are in the business of helping individuals in the long-term recovery and rebuilding of their lives. Therefore, United Ways across the country will be focusing primarily on the long-term recovery - those needs that often are not addressed until weeks or months following a disaster. As a result, much of Pat's time now is being spent between our own campaign and working with other United Way professionals to provide her knowledge and expertise to that task force during this time of immense need and caring.

The call for Pat's proven skills at the national level and, at the same time, the need for her leadership here for the 2005 local campaign, reflect a dilemma which often exists. That dilemma becomes more apparent when we have a demonstrated record that shows we care and our community certainly has that kind of record. However, it became crystal clear to the many volunteers and agency staff who make up our Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Area United Way that "caring" is not about "either/or," especially in times of crisis, but rather a resounding issue of "AND."

We were reminded of the analogy of the instructions given during an in-flight airline emergency. The emphasis is for those who are trying to help the more vulnerable first to put on their own oxygen masks before attempting to help others with theirs. This in no way implies that one should care only about one's own well-being. It does, however, suggest that a community must be able to demonstrate it has the capacity/ability to care. Therefore, in our community, the 2005 United Way campaign seeks to reflect our local "caring" by investing in four community priorities:

• Strengthening and supporting families.

• Supporting vulnerable and aging populations.

• Helping children and youth succeed.

• Promoting self -sufficiency.

In the final analysis, the many wonderful and dedicated United Way campaign volunteers are demonstrating their concern for our community. However, it takes all of us working together to pull it off. Therefore, please show that you care and know that your "caring" will be translated into tangible results, i.e., the lives we change and the community we shape.

United Way always has been about improving lives. We hope that you will continue to show how much you care both by supporting the victims of Hurricane Katrina through your charitable donations to the various national relief efforts and at the same time, by investing in your local United Way for what matters here at home.

Beal is chairman of the United Way board, Rios is the 2005 Campaign Chairman, and Sandberg is the 2005 Campaign Co-Chairman.