HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — To “LIVE UNITED” carries a multitude of meanings. For one person, it could mean helping someone learn how to read. For another, it could involve volunteering to help River Cities residents prepare their income tax returns at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The possibilities are endless.

For others, becoming a valuable United Way of the River Cities’ investor is the route they choose.

For Jill Morris, 27, the “LIVE UNITED” mantra not only influences her, but her 3-year-old daughter, Kailyn. A River Cities native, Morris is a commercial insurance agent at Rucker, Billups & Fowler, Inc. hoping to lead by example for her peers and her daughter.

“I ‘LIVE UNITED’ by dancing to raise money for uninsured and underinsured residents in the Tri-State area via Ebenezer Medical Outreach’s Dancing With The Tri-State Stars,” Morris said. “I have participated in Dancing with the Tri-State Stars the past two years, and my partner and I are the reigning champions. I also ‘LIVE UNITED’ by ensuring that issues Huntington is facing are brought to the attention of our Senators and Congress members.”

Morris traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2010 with the Young Professionals Committee (Chamber of Commerce) Executive Committee to discuss topics such as providing incentives to keep young talent in Huntington after college graduation.

In addition to the professional ways to “LIVE UNITED,” Morris said she encourages her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

“I feel that it’s extremely important for my child to understand that not all families and children are as blessed as our family has been,” Morris said. “I want Kailyn to grow up with a compassionate heart and to understand the meaning of giving back to others.”

In the past, Morris has given back to the community through participation in community-wide cleanups, Marshall University campus cleanups, coat drives and canned food drives. She has also participated in 5K’s and has coached Little League softball. With career and motherhood priorities, it isn’t as easy as it once was to devote time and resources to worthwhile causes in the community.

GIVE 5, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, is a viral campaign that encourages people with little to no extra time on their hands to donate to United Way.

Those who want to make a donation may visit www.give5online.org to watch a video about United Way’s work in the community. Supporters are urged to give $5 through their PayPal accounts and then send the video to five of their friends.

When Morris heard about United Way’s GIVE 5 campaign, she knew she had to participate.

“I received a blast e-mail from United Way regarding the GIVE 5 campaign, so I acted on it and decided to donate,” Morris said. “I also sent out an e-mail distribution of my own and broadcast it on social media networks to solicit donations from colleagues. I would say to any young professional that $5 is so little to most of us, but it can go a long way for a person or family in need. Most of us spend more than $5 on lunch each day. By each young professional donating $5, we can provide local families in need with food, shelter, water, tips to earn higher wages and many other necessities. Every dollar counts!”

United Way is urging individuals and businesses to help people when they need it most. United Way wants to reach 150 new investors during the month of February.

“I believe by supporting United Way, I’m building a safer, healthier and better-educated community for my daughter to grow up in,” Morris said. “I’m giving back to make the world a better place for my child.”

To become an investor or to learn more about United Way’s work and how you are making a difference in the lives of others in the River Cities, contact Cassey Bowden at 304-523-8929, ext. 2, or cassey.bowden@unitedwayrivercities.org. For more information about the GIVE 5 campaign, visit www.give5online.org.