TOLEDO -- Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner spoke to local businesses Friday, urging them to give as much as they can to the United Way this year.

The United Way is far behind in its fundraising goals so these pleas for help are more important than ever.

Organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the American Red Cross depend on donations and even in tough economic times, whatever businesses can contribute helps make a difference. 

Mayor Finkbeiner told employees that he knows belts are tightening this year but the United Way says that is exactly why it is so important to give.

"This is the one year where everyone in the room understands what I'm talking about. The need in our community is great, the agencies out there trying to help folks are working really hard and this really is the year for everyone to pull together and make that extra gift, that extra dollar or two and we really can make an impact on our community," said United Way President & CEO Bill Kitson.

Kitson says if you just can not spare a few dollars, you should at least donate your time and your talents to an organization or to a neighbor in need.

At Friday's press conference, Finkbeiner also honored three citizens for volunteering their time and putting their lives on the line by saving a mother and her child from a burning building last week.  Ed Mims, Ernie Hershly and Aaron Stewart all received certificates of recognition for their bravery.