Local News
Friday, November 06, 2009
United Way fighting toward its goal
Staff Writer
The United Way annual campaign soldiers on past its October deadline as many divisions struggle to meet their individual goals, while the overall goal remains short at 71 percent with $156,597.12.
At Thursday’s final campaign rally, Campaign chair Susan Goodman remained positive about the numbers coming in, and stated that although the divisions haven’t made their goals on time, that reaching them is better late than never.
“It’s been a tough year but we’ve been strong,” said Goodman. “There’s still quite a few businesses out there and that’s going to close the gap — there’s still hope in us getting where we need to be.”
United Way administrative assistant Lorraine Shellhouse reiterated the need for the dollars, and encouraged the implant chairs of divisions to not give up hope.
“We have agencies that depend on us and we need to keep pushing until we get there,” she said.
Division V was the first and only division so far to meet and exceed its goal at 104 percent with $20,997.
In second with 75 percent of its goal was Division III, which saw additional donations from Key Bank and Old Fort Bank.
Following behind at a dead heat were Divisions I and II, who both charted 70 percent of their goal at $67,067.67 and $47,177.70 respectively. Both divisions are awaiting several donations from businesses, which may push them within reach of their individual goals.
In last was Division IV, charting 32 percent of their goal with $4,218.75.
Fostoria United Way director Arlen Lowery expressed concern over the small number of donations the division has received, and urged campaign volunteers to push the small businesses that it is composed of to step up to the plate with donations.
“The response to this division has been very sparse and it is not in good shape,” he said. “We just have not had a response.”
Shellhouse has sent out additional post card reminders to the businesses in the division to encourage more donations.
Present at the final rally were representatives of some of the 15 community agencies that benefit from United Way dollars. At each rally they have given updates as to how they have been using the donated monies and how the campaign specifically contributes to their agencies.
Denelda Vaughn of the Fostoria Red Cross reported the success of the first charity bingo night on Wednesday which was hosted at the Tiffin Mall. The event saw a crowd of 125 people, she said, and the donations collected will supplement United Way dollars to help families in Fostoria and the surrounding area.
She also reported that the Red Cross office has received a donation of 300 cases of baby food and will be giving the food away to the public. Interested parties should contact the Red Cross office at 419-435-5360.
Mary Zeigler of the Bureau of Concern reported that the information and referral agency is currently working on the Thanksgiving basket program and will begin compiling the Christmas baskets in coming weeks. “The United Way money allows me to raise funds to help people with their utilities and fund programs,” she said.
Families wishing to receive a basket must apply and may contact the Bureau at 419-435-4357.
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Ph: (419) 435-6641 • Fax: (419) 435-9073
113 E. Center St. • P.O. Box 947
Fostoria, OH 44830
The Findlay Publishing Company
P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
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