LAWRENCE COUNTY United way still strives to meet goal

The United Way hopes to fund programs for nonprofit agencies with this year's campaign.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County United Way is still working on meeting its $720,000 fund raising goal.
"We usually try to get things wrapped up by year-end, but we are so close, and we need everyone to do a little bit more," said Gayle Young, executive director of the Lawrence County UW.
Young said the recent fund-raising campaign has netted $684,000, or about 96 percent, of the chapter's goal this year.
United Way officials hope to get the last $40,000 by the end of the month to start funding the 19 nonprofit agencies it supports in Lawrence County, she said.
Developing a strategy: The added money will also help the United Way develop a strategic plan, something now required for all UW agencies, that will outline how they will raise money and collaborate with other nonprofit agencies, Young said.
The remaining funds needed to complete the goal will also help fund a grant program offered by the United Way to any nonprofit agency starting new programs, Young added.
Ed Bentkowski, this year's UW campaign chairman in Lawrence County, said they are still contacting volunteers to make sure all donations have been brought to the United Way.
"I think things went well this year given that there was a certain amount of competition with the local United Way drive because of Sept. 11. There were needs all over the place this year," he said.
How to donate: Young said anyone still wanting to donate to the United Way can contact the Lawrence County office at (724) 658-8528.
"We are still looking for companies who have employees who have not participated before. One dollar per person, per pay can make an impact in our community, and it can be done through payroll deduction. That's what we are asking for," she said.