UNITED WAY CAN TOP $1 MILLION

The Area Wide United Way is setting an ambitious monetary goal for its 2000 fund drive, which it kicked off last week.

To reach the goal, the local United Way will have to raise $925,000 over the next couple of months. Considering the generosity of the community in the past, this goal is certainly attainable. In fact, the United Way could surpass that mark and for the first time break the $1 million threshold.

This year's effort raises the bar 23 percent over what the group sought last year. The 1999 goal of $750,000 was topped by $68,000.

Donations to the United Way provide a prime source of revenue for a variety of area charitable organizations and community groups. Proceeds from this year's effort will go to support 48 programs in 30 agencies. During the fund drive, groups that receive United Way funds suspend their individual money-raising efforts.

Although more than 85 percent of donations to United Way come from area businesses and their employees, it is important for individuals who do not already contribute at work to also show their support.

The importance of United Way funding can be simply explained just by naming some of the many organizations it supports, such as the American Red Cross, the Boy Scouts, the Girls Scouts, the 4-H Club and the Salvation Army. The positive impact of these and other United Way supported groups on the community is evident.

Strong economic times haven't diminished the need for financial support for United Way. But is has improved the ability of area businesses and individuals to contribute.

Helping the local United Way top the $1 million mark will not just benefit the area, it also will give the community one more thing for which it can be proud.