Mahoning campaign given an extension

The local United Way campaign chairman said there is too great a need to quit now.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The 2002 Youngstown/Mahoning County United Way campaign, originally scheduled to end Friday, has been extended.
With 67 percent of its $3.3 million goal reached, the campaign cabinet, headed by Tom Cavalier, Butler Wick chairman, president and CEO,voted Tuesday to extend the campaign.
As of Tuesday, local volunteers had raised $2,204,476 toward the goal of $3.3 million.
"We hope to be able to announce by mid-January that we have reached our goal," Cavalier said.
"With so many families in the community needing help, we can't just say, 'That's it, we're done,'" Cavalier said.
"We have to continue our efforts to reach those people who want to help but haven't yet been asked to give."
Through dollars raised during the annual campaign, the Youngstown/Mahoning County United Way provides funding for 90 programs of 31 affiliated agencies, six community chests and emerging community programs.
Where aid goes
Services include child day care, counseling, emergency and disaster services, shelter for domestic violence victims, supportive services for our elderly population, and other critical human needs.
Don Cagigas, Youngstown/Mahoning County United Way president and chief professional officer, emphasized the necessity to focus on the needs of our community and support the local United Way.
"With the economic downturn, we are concerned that demand for services provided by our agencies will increase. We must raise $3,300,000 to continue to meet the most critical needs of our community, and we need the support of the entire community to help us reach this goal," he said.
"We hope that the community will rally behind the Youngstown/Mahoning County United Way and raise the funds necessary to support the vital programs of our agencies," said JoAnn Stock, United Way director of campaign and marketing.
About 84 percent of the funds raised by United Way come from local businesses and their employees, Stock said it is not too late for local businesses to run a workplace campaign for this year's drive.
Call the United Way office at (330) 746-8494 for more information.