COLUMBIANA COUNTY Group pushes on as United Way closes in on 55 percent of goal

Volunteers are trying to make up a possible shortfall from plant closings.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- The Northern Columbiana County United Way has reached about 55 percent of its goal at the midway point of the 2004-05 campaign, said John Tonti, United Way executive director.
Tonti said United Way volunteers are working to make up for a possible shortfall because of plant closings. He said volunteers are making efforts to reach out to all residents, state and city employees, school personnel and pupils, and industrial and commercial donors to help reach the $281,000 goal set by the agency.
Because of recent closings of industrial plants in Salem, board members said they could experience a decline in donations from those areas, but hope to make advances in other sectors.
Tonti said a strong sense of humanitarian responsibility toward those in need continues in Columbiana County communities, especially in difficult economic times.
Helping neighbors
He said by contributing to United Way, donors are giving neighbors in need a hand. United Way provides funding for agencies that combat problems such as hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, troubled youth, disabilities, care for the elderly and others.
Tonti said more than 85 cents of every dollar goes to support local programs and services. All agencies are nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible.
If donors make checks payable to SCF/United Way, the Salem Community Foundation adds a 10-percent additional pledge.
There are 21 social service agencies in 11 towns and villages in the county addressing these problems and looking for support from United Way.