TRUMBULL COUNTY United Way donations are lagging

The economic downturn is being blamed for sluggish contributions.
WARREN -- United Way of Trumbull County has raised $2,171,112 in its 2002 campaign, lagging behind last year's contributions.
Last year, UW, which supports 29 health and human-services agencies serving more than 137,000 people annually, finished with $2,535,000 in pledges and contributions.
The campaign did not set a goal this year.
"Key to the final outcome of the countywide effort will be renewed and increased pledges and contributions, especially from late-running campaigns at a number of local and national companies," said Donald E. Moore, campaign chairman.
What's changed
"Our community has changed," said Moore, vice president of Trumco Insurance Agency. "We can no longer rely on the large corporations to ensure campaign success. Rather, all Trumbull County companies, small businesses, schools and individuals need to do their part to build a stronger, more caring community."
"No one wants to see United Way services funded at less than adequate levels, especially during these times of economic difficulties for many," said Edward C. Taylor, chairman of the agency's board of directors.
Campaign officials indicated that several factors, including an increased number of retirements within the industrial sector, a broader-than-expected economic turndown and contraction among select retailers, utilities, finance and other organizations continue to negatively affect the campaign results.
Companies, organizations and individuals that have not yet contributed are encourage to conduct late-running campaigns, the officials said.