To the Editors:

In the next few days, Oberlin College employees will have the option of supporting local organizations with their charitable dollars. One of these options is Lorain County Community Shares (LCCS). Why do we, as members of the Oberlin community, think that it makes sense to support LCCS?

LCCS members are progressive. LCCS is a federation of groups dedicated to community improvement, positive social change, citizen education and empowerment. Our member organizations work to make a difference in the community by working for economic, social and environmental justice, just as Oberlin College strives to do through teaching, research and service.

LCCS members are local. LCCS members work in your neighborhoods all across Lorain County. Lorain County residents are our primary leadership, staff and volunteers. For instance, dozens of Oberlin College students and staff volunteer their time with our groups. Supporting our organizations will make a difference in your community. Your gift will also help our organizations by demonstrating community support of our efforts, which makes it much easier for us to leverage additional foundation funding.

Supporting LCCS provides you with choice. We are aware that there are many competitors for your hard-earned charitable dollars. We want to offer you as much choice as possible to maximize the effect of your contribution. You may designate your gift to one or more of the LCCS groups or give directly to LCCS, which will be divided equally among the nine member organizations.

If you need more information about LCCS and our member organizations, please see our website at www.LCCShares.org or email us at Shares@LCCShares.org. Thank you in advance for your gift (whatever you can give!) and your time.

Heather West
OC ‘97

Thomas Uthup (former Director of Foundation and Corporate Advancement, OC)
Lorain County Community Shares Board Members