How I LIVE UNITED

My name is Alice Brydia and I have been volunteering my entire life - Clinton Township Board of Education, the Scouts, Parks and Recreation, Immaculate Conception Church, Meals on Wheels - and for United Way of Hunterdon County for about 15 years, including 6 years as a Board Member.  I try to do what I can to help others and if in some small way I can influence others to help, I do.  Years ago I read a thank you note from the Holiday Hands recipient for a new pillow and still think about how such a small thing can mean so much.

My name is Lori and I have been supporting the United Way and local food pantries for many years.  I have coordinated the Tools 4 School program at my company for the past two years and this year will coordinate the Holiday Hands program, as well, although I have been assisting for several years. 
The moment I knew that helping others was important to me was when I was dropping off a Thanksgiving donation to the Flemington Food Pantry.  Clients were still waiting to pick up their groceries.  As I walked down the aisle to drop off my donation, I saw the many faces of those waiting . . . and they looked just like you or me.  That experience left a lasting impression on me. 
I LIVE UNITED because I hope to make a difference by helping to make other’s lives a little easier or happier through my efforts.  Many small contributions combined can make a world of difference.

United Way helps so many people in so many ways and it is gratifying to be part of giving back to our community. It isn't just about helping when people are sick. There are so many needs that contribute to someone's overall health. Hunterdon is thought of as affluent so it is tough to get people to understand that there are many individuals living close to the edge who need help and that is what the United Way does. I think it is important to give where you believe and for me it is about the human condition and conservation. As an avid birder I also support the New Jersey Audubon Society. That's how I LIVE UNITED. Kathy Horn.

My whole philosophy is built on helping other people. When I was six years old I ended up in the hospital because of a ruptured appendix. I was so impressed with the care the nurses provided that I decided at that moment I wanted to do the same thing. As a geriatrics specialist I raise awareness among physicians and others of the vulnerabilities and specific needs of this population. When I speak to physicians about the United Way campaign, I make them aware that the services supported by United Way such as food pantries or homeless shelters are services some of their patients rely on and that they couldn't be compliant without them. Building awareness of what the needs are in our community and doing my part by raising United Way funds through my organization is my way to get more people involved in helping others. That is how I LIVE UNITED. Linda Bryant.

My name is Christine and I have been volunteering with United Way for more than 12 years and have met some wonderful people. In fact, that is a great part of volunteering – the people you meet and bond with over a common purpose.  I am still best friends with a woman I met through Circle K in college.  I volunteer because it is a family tradition passed down from my father who taught us how important it is to help our neighbors. And now I am thrilled to see my niece involved in volunteering in her community. Passing on the passion for giving from one generation to the next, that is how I LIVE UNITED.

Part of the Johnson & Johnson credo says “we are responsible to the communities in which we live and work” and I embrace that sentiment in all aspects of my life. I have worked for Johnson & Johnson for 33 years and I have been a United Way supporter for almost as long.  Being an effective leader transcends from the corporate role to the role you have in the community. In addition to being an active member of the Board of Trustees for the United Way of Hunterdon County, I support my community through a variety of activities that range from raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Wounded Warriors to sponsoring several diversity groups with my team at Johnson & Johnson. When I didn’t have the time to volunteer, I was fortunate to be able to give financially.

My life has been enriched in ways I couldn’t have planned for – a successful career with a great company, strong marriage and good family, good health – the whole world should be as fortunate. The least I can do to say thank you is to help others move forward. That is How I LIVE UNITED.

Casey Koller, Past President and Governance Committee Chair, United Way of Hunterdon County; Vice President, Contract Strategy & Management, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.