When it comes to improving our community and helping people in need, Mesa has no shortage of role models. That’s what makes Susan Carland’s selection for Mesa United Way’s Ross N. Farnsworth Spirit of Mesa Award so special.

Mesa United Way is inviting residents to make a donation to its Community Chest and enter “The Happiest Sweepstakes on Earth!” to win a Disneyland vacation and other prizes.

“I had no idea!”

Last June 5, 17-year-old Mesa High School student JaKelle Michelle Westergard lost a three-month battle with a baffling lung ailment.

Mesa United Way's 2012-13 pledge campaign has surpassed 27 percent of its goal, and leaders of the effort say they hope the holiday spirit will provide an additional boost during December.

After last year's pledge drive fell short of their goal, Mesa United Way officials are cautiously optimistic that the current campaign will be successful.

Registration is under way for the annual Leisure World Charity Golf Tournament benefitting Mesa United Way, to be held Saturday, Nov. 10 at the community’s two golf courses.

Nine-year-old Mychiel Fair Jr. loves to count his Goldfish crackers out loud before popping them into his mouth. He feels around the top of his desk to make sure he hasn’t missed any, then picks up his little abacus with brightly colored beads and begins to count again.

Mesa United Way is inviting qualified non-profit organizations to apply for funding from its 2013-14 Community Chest. Representatives of interested organizations must make reservations and attend one of two pre-application meetings this month. Applications will be accepted beginning Nov. 1.

When Eric Rodriguez was 7 years old, the Grant Woods Branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley became his second home. Today it’s still his second home — and also his livelihood. He’s been the branch executive for the past three years.

With so many people struggling during these tough economic times, charitable organizations like Mesa United Way face an enormous funding challenge. Needs are greater than ever, yet many of our donors have had to cut back on their contributions.

Keona Thurman knows how hard it is for some Mesa residents to pay their bills during these tough economic times. As a resource counselor for Salt River Project, she’s helped put customers struggling to pay their electric bills in touch with agencies that provide temporary utility assistance.

Keona Thurman knows how hard it is for some Mesa residents to pay their bills during these tough economic times. As a resource counselor for Salt River Project, she’s helped put customers struggling to pay their electric bills in touch with agencies that provide temporary utility assistance.

Most people want to help worthy causes, but many wonder whether their hard-earned dollars are actually going to assist people in need. News reports that some charities have overstated the good they do or used large portions of donors' dollars to pay for administration and fundraising can make us skeptical.

Helen’s Hope Chest, Mesa United Way’s clothing bank for foster children, needs your help to restock for back-to-school season. There are two ways to help:

If you’re having trouble affording your prescription medications, just text the word “family” to 700700 to save up to 75 percent on the cost of your medicine. “It really is that easy,” said Mesa United Way President Dan Wollam.