COLUMBIANA COUNTY Economic losses may threaten ability to meet United Way goal

Flood victims were helped by several agencies funded by United Way.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Although the United Way of Northern Columbiana County has met 40 percent of its goal since the campaign began Sept. 8, meeting that goal will be a difficult task due to the area's recent economic losses, said John Tonti, executive director.
Tonti said volunteers have the challenge of meeting a goal that is $6,000 higher than last year.
In Salem, Eljer Manufacturing is already closed, and Crane Deming Pump Co. may close early next year. Tonti said the closing of the Pamida department store in Columbiana earlier this year will also hurt the campaign because Pamida was Columbiana's largest contributor.
The local United Way launched its 2004-05 campaign Sept. 8 with a $281,000 goal.
United Way's 21 member agencies combat problems such as hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, troubled youth and disabilities and support counseling, day care, health services, education, recreational activities and more.
Contributors
Major givers from last year's drive are Salem Eagles Aerie 316, General Motors Corp., Blackhawk Automotive Plastics, Salem Community Foundation, American Standard Inc., Salem Giant Eagle, United Parcel Service, Ohio Edison, First Energy Company, Butech Inc., Randy and Peggy Mosher, Brad and Pat Tingle, Pearce Foundation and Salem Community Hospital.
According to agency statistics, one in four residents receive some form of benefit from one of the United Way agencies located 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.
Board President Roger Hack said that during the recent flooding emergencies in the county, and particularly in the Lisbon area, first responders offering assistance included the Red Cross and Salvation Army, with follow-up help available through Catholic Community Services, Christian Concerns of Leetonia, Family Recovery Center and Salem Area Visiting Nurses Association, to name a few -- all agencies supported by the local United Way.
The United Way of Northern Columbiana County is governed by a local 16-member volunteer board of directors. Joining the board this year as a new director is Phillip Suarez of Salem.
The board makes all policies and decisions and all donations stay in northern Columbiana County, Hack said.
tullis@vindy.com