Northern Mercer United Way tops $1M, aims higher

Staff report

SHARON, PA.

The Northern Mercer County United Way 2010 financial campaign had raised more than $1 million as of this month.

“We’re recognizing Northern Mercer County now, but we’re also seeing increased giving from all over the county,” said Jim Micsky, executive director of United Way Mercer County.

“If everyone who has not already contributed to the 2010 campaign increases their previous gift by only 20 percent, we can achieve our ambitious $1.5 million goal,” he said.

“We knew our Northern Mercer County groups were having successful campaigns, but until the numbers came in, we didn’t realize just how successful those campaigns were,” said School Superintendents Patrick Heflin of Greenville, Pa., Joe Neuch of Reynolds, Pa., and Shane Murray of Jamestown, Pa., who with 10 other area school administrators, are co-chairmen of the campaign.

At the December United Way board meeting, Mike Walton, president of Jamestown Coating Technologies and chairman of the United Way Board, said that his company and its employees had increased giving by 43 percent over last year.

Other Northern Mercer County companies and their rate of giving include:

St. Paul Homes raised more than $25,000, a 16 percent increase over last year.

Greenville Metals employees to-date have raised approximately $13,000 toward their $20,000 goal.

The UPMC Horizon Employee Charity Fund at the Greenville Campus has pledged $16,000, which is in addition to the employee and corporate gifts from the local hospital system.

Anderson Coach and Travel raised approximately $14,000, an increase of 64 percent over last year.

Thiel College is closing in on its goal of $10,000, having already raised $7,857.

“These are only a few of the amazing success stories that have characterized this year’s campaign. In these tough economic times, that extra money is more needed than ever for our 30 local agencies and other community service projects,” Micsky said.

Those who have not confirmed their pledges for this year or would like to run an employee campaign are asked to contact the United Way office at 724-981-1884.