Donating to United Way

In response to your article “Suit Accuses L.A. County of Coercing Donations” (Metro, Oct. 23) I would like to reaffirm United Way’s position in this matter.

It is both stated policy and firm practice of this and every other United Way in California not to pressure any individuals to give--however worthy the cause. To do otherwise would misrepresent the spirit of United Way--a spirit that embodies the very essence of voluntarism. For over 70 years, United Way has served the greater Los Angeles community with vital health and human services. These services are made possible by the voluntary energy of dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of thousands of donors who have voluntarily contributed some $700 million through the United Way campaign over this past decade.

Donors saw their investments at work most vividly earlier this month. Immediately after the quake shook the Bay Area, the United Way disaster assistance system (which includes the Red Cross, Salvation Army and others) went into high gear. A hot line was immediately established to collect and channel voluntary donations to the major relief organizations assisting the quake victims. At the same time, United Way’s Board of Directors announced an emergency allocation of $300,000 to strengthen the relief effort.

Many who called our hot line were United Way donors. They responded out of human compassion, not by force. Our campaign experience shows that it is this same compassion that compels people to choose United Way as the best way to lessen the personal disasters in their own and other people’s lives.

We want people to feel good about participating in the United Way campaign. We have asked employers to conduct their workplace campaigns with this objective in mind. When instances of over-zealousness surface, immediate, corrective action takes place . . . not only because the United Way wants it, but because corporations, organized labor and employees desire it. In addition to addressing critical community needs, United Way is very concerned about its donors and their experiences with the campaign.

We believe that giving should be a positive experience for all concerned. Voluntary participation is not only good ethical practice, it’s good business!

LEO P. CORNELIUS

President, United Way

Los Angeles