Recently, the Orange County United Way cut all funding to the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America from 2006-2009. United Way officials say this decision was made in an effort to focus more of their funds on fewer programs — ones that can prove they make immediate change in people’s lives. We believe Scouting does make changes in people's lives.

In 1918, the Boy Scouts of America were one of a dozen organizations that joined forces to found the American Association for Community Organizations, the forerunner to the United Way. For the past 88 years, the United Way and the Boy Scouts have been close-working partners.

The Council will no longer be receiving any transitional funds through United Way. Thus, the Council will need to secure almost $150,000 in additional donations for the remainder of 2006 and almost $300,000 for 2007.

Without the United Way funding, the Council will be forced to spend more time raising money from individual donors and less time focusing on core ideals — delivering character-developing programming to the young people of Orange County.

The Boy Scouts are joined by some other very important charitable organizations, including Red Cross, Salvation Army and YMCA, in no longer receiving United Way funds. All of these beneficial organizations will need additional support.

We believe that the best way to support a charitable organization is to give directly to that organization, whether it is the Boy Scouts or another worthy cause.

However, you can still support the Boy Scouts and United Way both by designating your United Way gift to the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America. By specifying the Orange County Council, BSA, your donation will be directed to benefit Scouts.

We are asking for you help in this time of unexpected need. Consider making a gift to the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America, so we may continue to positively impact young lives.