"Give Where You Live" is a simple statement that encourages individuals who commute long distances to work to direct their charitable donation to where they live.

Your United Way helps solve specific community issues that impact local families, seniors, children, and the disabled. Each community is different, therefore each community's issues are different. It is important to support your community where you live because it benefits those in need, your community as a whole, the local economy and you and your family as well.

 United Ways are local, autonomous organizations that operate in solicitation areas defined by zip code boundaries. For instance, United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties runs their campaign in zip code areas of Lake & Sumter Counties and the money raised benefits Lake & Sumter County residents through various member agencies and programs.

The United Way system utilizes workplace payroll deduction to enable employees to conveniently donate a charitable gift in installment payments.

But what happens if you live in a county served by one United Way and work in a county that is served by a different United Way? The United Way that operates in the county that you work will run a campaign at your workplace. The money you donate can only help your neighbors, friends, and family if you specifically designate your gift to where you live.                                               

To help your local community, direct your donation by indicating on your pledge card that you would like to designate your gift to Your United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties. Many companies conduct their United Way campaign online. In this case, choose the option: designate to another United Way and select Lake & Sumter Counties.

For more information on our give where you live philosophy, please visit us at www.givewhereyoulive.com.