Posted at: 12/16/2009 10:48 PM
By: Kristin Martin

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How Holiday Donations Are Helping

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- As 2009 nears its end, local United Way foundations are tallying up their donation campaigns. Now, see how those donations are helping families in need.

When Richard Anderson received his layoff notice, life got a little scary in the Anderson household.

"The first thing I was worried about mostly was, I don't want to lose my home," says Richard's wife Betty.

As they feared losing their home of 34 years help came knocking on their door.

"It was very scary, but United Way was there to help us," says Betty.

Each year local United Way chapters are able to provide support for families like the Andersons and with a bad economy, this year proved to be a test.

"With needs the way they are, we've been more visible," says Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, Executive Director of the Mower County United Way.

That visibility has paid off as local United Ways are raising their thermometers closer to their goals.

"In the economy we're in, it's really nice to see that people are still giving back to their community and remembering that there are some people who aren't as fortunate as they are," says Lighthizer-Schmidt.

And that makes the Andersons grateful.

"I didn't know where you're next groceries were coming from, it's out there to help you," says Richard Anderson.

Especially because they can have their family under one roof during the holidays.

"They're all coming home on Christmas," says Richard.

Both Freeborn and Mower counties increased their goals this year to meet higher needs. Mower County United Way says its donations are up about 60,000 dollars from this time last year. In Freeborn County they're up about 98,000 dollars.