United Way officials encourage extra effort

SALEM -- United Way officials here say it will take extra effort by volunteers to meet the agency's $270,000 goal this year.
Local officials launched the Northern Columbiana County United Way's 2003 campaign Tuesday in Salem.
Board President Roger Hack and Executive Director Ray Maurer said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on Washington D.C. and New York City caused a nationwide shift in charitable giving.
With the focus on national relief efforts, many local charities saw a shortfall, including the local United Way.
Maurer said the local agency did not meet its goal last year resulting in a cutback in all the social services agencies in Columbiana, East Palestine, Hanoverton, Leetonia, Lisbon, New Waterford, Rogers, Salem, Salineville, Summitville and Washingtonville -- all of which make help available to those in need.
Hack said an extra effort must be made this year so that agencies can be given the total requested funding necessary to carry out their programs.
Hack said one extra effort this year is the "Night on the Town" program. People can donate to the United Way by purchasing tickets for $1, then present them at any of the participating restaurants printed on the ticket to receive $5 off a meal of $15 or more.
Maurer pointed out the lives of more than 18,000 county people have been made better because of the activities supported by United Way.
He said letters will be sent and volunteer contacts made during the next two months as efforts are made to reach the agency's stated goal.