Health has been on all our minds this past year. We have been concerned for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community wellbeing. Health is one of the key building blocks of a strong community.
 
The Coronavirus Pandemic took a toll on mental health across the world. Many people lost their lives and families suffered. In addition, Domestic Violence increased globally. The trauma that we collectively experienced will continue to be something we have to work though as a community.
 
Now is the time. Each of us must take care of our mental and physical health so that we can help each other. So, what does that have to do with giving you may ask?

Intuitively, we know that giving back feels good. It is wonderful to receive a gift, but not quite as wonderful as the generous action of giving one. Why is that? Is giving good for our own health?

Recent studies demonstrate that giving both volunteerism and financial gifts to charity are associated with health benefits. Blood pressure, depression, stress levels, and life span, are associated with charity.
 
The general sense of happiness and satisfaction we associate with giving has science behind it. Now, we know that not only does philanthropy give us a social return on investment, tax advantages and make us feel better, but it contributes to our overall health. We are also in a time when our community needs support more than ever. The only question now, is where you should give, not if.
 
Your local United Way has been here for Cape Fear for 80 years. United Way of the Cape Fear Area supports 43 different programs in Education, Health, and Financial Stability, and serves as the social safety net for neighbors and families across the greater Cape Fear region. United Way can also offer you a well-rounded social return and track the progress for you.
 
If you already have a favorite charity in mind, then I may be preaching to the choir. If so, consider the benefits for that agency by giving through the United Way. Many agencies can double and triple gifts through United Way by using it as a highly recognized local match for State and Federal grant dollars. Maybe collective giving here?
 
Regardless of your choice, I want to thank you on behalf of the community for giving. Many things have changed in the past 80 years of United Way of the Cape Fear Area, but one thing has not. Local heroes that step up for our community and make a difference every year in a united way. 
 
United We Feed. United We Teach. United We Heal. United We Thrive.
 
 
Tommy Taylor, born in Mansfield, Ohio, achieved his Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Guilford College, and most recently achieved his Masters in Public Administration from UNCW in 2019. Tommy’s career started as a Crisis and College Counselor at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia. After 4 years, Tommy moved to his favorite vacation spot, Wilmington, North Carolina, and started his new career as the Regional Development Manager for Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Six years later, after tripling food distribution and doubling revenues, he accepted the Vice President of Community Impact position at the United Way of the Cape Fear Area. Now serving as the CEO, Tommy is thankful to be able to see the good side of the world that many people do not get a chance to experience and to be able to be part of the solutions to our community's deepest problems.