More than any other charity, the United Way epitomizes the team approach to solving society’s problems.

The UW’s focus is on raising money — not generally for its own projects but for the efforts of its member agencies, each of which is working in its own way to improve different aspects of our community. Whether it’s Crossroads Mission supporting men trying to turn their lives around, or the Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop providing holiday joy, or the Colquitt County Arts Center bringing art classes and exhibits to all of us — charities throughout Colquitt County rely on the fundraising efforts of the local United Way.

But those same agencies are often among the UW’s most loyal supporters when it’s time for pledges. Teamwork, each part supporting one another so that the whole community benefits.

The fund-raising campaign is going on now with a goal of $555,000, the most ever.

Today, though, the United Way goes beyond just fund-raising. Today is the the organization’s Day of Action, when volunteers leave their jobs for a half-day of work at those same member agencies. Most of the jobs are simple, manual labor: painting or lawn work or minor repairs to an agency’s building. In all, 10 projects are planned, the most ever.

Our community should thank those volunteers and the businesses that allow them to participate each year. Their contributions behind the scenes enable the United Way’s member agencies to touch a lot of lives here in Moultrie and Colquitt County.