Lawrence UW reaches 80 % of goal

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County United Way officials are hoping the needs of local agencies won't be forgotten at a time when many have focused on donating money to the victims of the terrorist attacks.
"We are trying to educate the public that they need to give their money to local organizations. In order to build our country, we need to build our communities," said Gayle Young, Lawrence County UW director.
Lawrence County UW officials are wrapping up their 2001 campaign and have reached about 80 percent of their $720,000 goal. Volunteers reported Wednesday that they have gathered $579,629. Ed Bentkowski, campaign chairman, noted that all of the money collected by the Lawrence County United Way campaign is given to local agencies.
"There are nearly 20 organizations that rely on our help each year. It's really a matter of the community getting involved and giving to the United Way," he said.
Among the agencies supported by the United Way are the New Castle Community Y, the Lawrence County American Red Cross and the New Castle City Rescue Mission.
Young said they hope to meet their campaign goal by the last report meeting on Dec. 12.
This year's United Way goal is a 5 percent increase over the $685,676 raised last year.