UNITED WAY Donations fall short compared with '03

Volunteers heard of new features to the campaign.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- With a little more than seven weeks left in the official campaign, United Way of Trumbull County officials report they are just shy of where they were this time last year.
Volunteers and community leaders met Thursday for the Campaign 2004 update and learned that just over $1 million has been pledged to the agency so far this year. The figure is about $175,000 off from last year's midcampaign report.
But Marybeth Cunningham, chair of this year's campaign, noted there are some new ways for residents to give this year, and some new rewards for those gifts.
Five fields of service
Donors to this year's campaign have the choice of designating all or a portion of their contribution to one of five fields of service, to specific health and human service agencies supported by United Way, other United Way agencies or to the Community Impact fund, which acts as a safety net of care across all fields of service.
The five fields of service are nurturing children, strengthening families, enriching the lives of seniors, promoting health and wellness, and providing emergency services. The fields are part of the United Way's Community Impact approach, which is in its second year.
Rather than simply serve as a clearinghouse for funding to the 29 health and human service agencies supported by the local United Way, Community Impact allows officials to focus on special problems deemed by the community to be the highest priority.
Volunteers and agency officials also discussed the Caring Club program, which makes its debut this year. The program allows donors to United Way of Trumbull County who pledge $120 or more to receive a personalized card that carries discounts from various area businesses.
Thomas J. Krysiek, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Trumbull County, said that between the additions to the campaign and the time remaining in Campaign 2004, local officials plan to meet and exceed the success of last year's campaign.
"If we do these things, and I know we can, then Campaign 2004 will be the first of many successful fund-raising appeals in the Community Impact era," Cunningham added.
For information on United Way or to contribute, call the local office at (330) 369-1000 or check the Web site at www.unitedwaytrumbull.org.
slshaulis@vindy.com