Lend a Helping HandThere have always been organizations that provide help to those in need. Now the economy is going through a downward spiral, giving these institutions greater importance in helping the lives of those who need it. Miami County residents have seen firsthand that some people who live in this area really need help. Statistical evidence shows that Miami County, Indiana is affected by the economy. The average salary of a resident in Peru, Indiana ends up being $28,487. (Indiana) This may not seem like a lot, but when you have a family to support, your budget becomes tight. The normal annual salary for a resident of the state of Indiana is $45,434. (Indiana) That's about 38% more money than Miami County residents. If people everywhere in Indiana are struggling because of this economic downturn, how can we expect those in Miami County to fare? Fortunately for them, many organizations are available to help not only their lives, but to improve the community as a whole. Miami County has a poverty rate of 22.4%, ranking it among the top fifteen poorest counties in Indiana. Times are already extremely challenging, but without institutions like Helping Hands and the United Way, the quality of life for the citizens of Miami County would be unacceptable. Times are very tough and, for the people of Miami County, they could even become problematic. There is hunger everywhere in Miami County. Adults, young and old are left without provisions, or without enough food to sustain a healthy life. Many families need food for themselves and their children. If families go to bed hungry at night, this prevents them from having a successful start the next morning. It will turn into a vicious circle until death or illness arrives... middle of paper.......S. Census Bureau. American Factfinder. Network. 14 September 2011. factfinder.census.gov/servlet/STTable?_bm=y>. Manhart, Hershal. Telephone interview. November 03, 2011. Helping Hands of Miami County. Here is the second page of the brochure. Helping Hands of Miami County. Helping Hands of Miami County. Network. September 14, 2011. .Miami County Helping Hands. Helping Hands of Miami County. nd Web. September 14, 2011. “United Way of Miami County Mission and Vision Statement.” County headquarters of United Way of Miami. United Way of Miami County. Network. 03 November 2011."Creating opportunities for a better life for all." County headquarters of United Way of Miami. United Way of Miami County. Network. 04 November. 2011. .