If political scientists are correct, Americans’ apparent lack of interest in the ongoing presidential election can be traced to a content and comparatively well-off electorate, than the recent rise in charitable giving makes sense.

According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the top charities in America saw a 13 percent increase in donations — gifts which totaled more than $38 billion — last year.

The reason? As one expert said, &uot;giving flows and grows with the economy.&uot;

As we become more financially secure … or at least less financially stressed …our giving levels increase. We feel more comfortable, and we feel more able to give back to our communities.

And, according to the national figures, Americans are feeling particularly generous.

We, for one, hope that generosity continues on a local level. Here in the Miss-Lou, our United Way campaign is in full gear, working toward its ambitious goal of $320,000.

That money would help fund some two dozen service agencies, ranging from Councils on Aging to the Boy Scouts to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

The money raised locally will stay local –&160;helping the agencies in our community who, in turn, help our neighbors.

And, as Americans across the country have learned, investing in your community through charitable giving is one of the best ways to make lasting improvements in all our lives.

So, we challenge the Miss-Lou to follow the national trend in charitable giving and to make this year’s United Way campaign a resounding success.

To make a contribution, call 442-1081.