WITH RECORD P&G DONATION, UW ACHIEVES 87% OF GOAL

The Area Wide United Way has raised $407,000, or 87 percent of its $470,000 goal, thanks in part to record-breaking employee contributions from Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co.

Employees at the sprawling manufacturing plant have raised more than $103,000. Coupled with a corporate P&G contribution of $46,900, the company and its employees have donated more than $150,000 to the campaign, it was announced Wednesday.

Harry Rediger, United Way campaign chairman, said P&G's donation amounts to 32 percent of the total community goal.

"It's encouraging at this point," Rediger said of the United Way fund drive. "But we still have some loose ends."

Rediger said he hopes the United Way campaign can be completed soon. "I am personally hopeful we can complete the campaign and announce the goal before Thanksgiving. But quite a few people are going to have to do a lot of work this month to make that happen.

"We still have $63,000 that we need to get in," he added.

"The campaign is slow at times and a little frustrating at times. But then it gets exciting.

"P&G is certainly a boost," he said. "I'm hopeful that just the publicity of their successful campaign and the percent of the goal we have reached will jog some memories (of others) to get their contributions in, too. We are counting on every dollar," Rediger said.

Rediger said the success of P&G's campaign lies with its history and management. "They have a history of always having a successful campaign, and the management support of the campaign continues. Nobody has been able to equal it," he added.

Phil Larson, P&G plant manager, said, "We are extremely pleased to be able to help the community in this way. The United Way is a positive means of supporting organizations that help our community in such a meaningful fashion.

"The generosity of our employees is remarkable," said Larson. "A total of 158 individuals qualified for membership in the Lorimier Society, an increase of 15 percent over last year."

Money raised by United Way is used to help fund 25 community service agencies.