TRUMBULL COUNTY United Way will put out final call for contributions

Campaign organizers did not set a specific goal for this year's event.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- As the 11th hour approaches, United Way of Trumbull County volunteers are hoping to kick it into high gear to get some last-minute pledges.
The agency will conduct a countywide phone campaign today and Wednesday in an effort to garner participation from new and previous contributors. The 2002 fund-raising campaign ends Friday.
"We're coming up on the end of the campaign, and we're pretty close to last year," said Christopher J. Malanga, director of communications for United Way of Trumbull County. "We are within striking distance."
Last year's campaign raised $2,535,000; this year's total to date is $2,284,792. Campaign organizers did not set a specific goal for this year's event, but hoped to at least earn as much as last year.
Malanga said between 25 and 30 volunteers will operate the phones, contacting both companies and individuals for new and renewed contributions.
"We want to see if we can generate some new funds as well as some new givers," Malanga said.
Volunteers from all levels of the campaign -- including agency directors and campaign board members -- will conduct the phone-a-thon, which is similar to ones the agency has conducted in the past, Malanga said. He added that Seven Seventeen Credit Union will provide the space for the effort, while Cellular One will provide the phones.
Urges contribution
Donald E. Moore, Campaign 2002 chairman and vice president of Trumco Insurance Agency, urged anyone receiving a call from volunteers to consider contributing if they haven't already.
"We're counting on people to 'answer the call' and help Trumbull County neighbors in need," he said. "If you are a previous giver, consider a renewal or increased pledge. If you haven't given in the past, your support is especially important this year."
The United Way of Trumbull County uses the fund-raising drive each year to support 29 health and human service agencies throughout the county that assist more than 137,000 people.
Benefactors of United Way funds include the American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, YMCA of Trumbull County and Trumbull Mobile Meals.
Anyone interested in pledging to the campaign can call the United Way office at (330) 369-1000.
slshaulis@vindy.com