COLUMBIANA CO. United Way plans kickoff

The local United Way receives many donations from former residents.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Many people who move away from the Salem area apparently leave their hearts behind.
Roger Hack, campaign chairman for the Salem-based Northern Columbiana County United Way, said the local United Way receives many donations each year from people who move out of the area, and the trend is growing.
"The money comes in and we have no idea who it's from," Hack said. "When they do the distributions, people can elect to send a portion to other United Way campaigns. We get money from a Chicago campaign, for example, and that's all we know. We assume it comes from former area residents."
Hack said after surpassing the 2003 campaign goal, Northern Columbiana County United Way officials are optimistic about the 2004 campaign.
The campaign begins with a kickoff celebration Wednesday and the tentative wrap-up date is Jan. 6, but Hack said many United Way campaigns are left open to allow as many donations to come in as possible.
Exceeded 2003 goal
Hack said recently the Salem-based United Way wrapped up its 2003 campaign at $303,500, representing 110 percent of the 2003 goal. The 2004 goal is $281,000.
"You set goals, but you just never know how it's going to go," Hack said. "Sometimes you don't get as many pledges as you think you should, but sometimes a lot of people will donate who didn't pledge."
Nancy McCoy a local United Way board member, said volunteers are needed to help fuel the campaign effort.
"We are excited about this campaign," McCoy said. "We have the potential to have a great year. We have hard-working, passionate volunteers, and we can always use more. Giving per capita is down, but that doesn't mean the people don't care or don't want to give. It just means we have to find them."
The Salem-based United Way assists 21 social-service agencies in Salem, Washingtonville, Lisbon, Leetonia, Columbiana, Hanoverton, New Waterford, Rogers, East Palestine, Salineville and Summitville.