By THE HERALD-WHIG STAFF
The United Way of Adams County has raised nearly 45 percent of its $1.2 million campaign goal for 2009.
Division leaders announced this week that $539,539 has been raised.
"I am excited about what we have seen so far during this campaign," campaign Chairman Terry Myers said. "Despite the challenges presented by the economy during the past year, we are still seeing very active participation from our community."
Myers said that in many cases, giving is up and more accounts are completed now than there were at the same time last year.
The total dollars reported is lower than at this time last year because the bulk of the contributions so far have come from individuals and small organizations.
Large employers such as Knapheide, Gardner Denver and Quincy Compressor have their campaigns in progress.
"We have some big numbers yet to report in the next three weeks," Myers said. "This is the reverse of what we've done in prior years. We intentionally timed these campaigns to run last, hoping that the economy and jobs would have picked up. We'll have to wait and see if this strategy helped."
The campaign goal includes raising $74,000 from new sources and companies that have not participated before.
"This has been the most difficult part of the campaign, but we are continuing to make efforts to include more companies and individuals before the campaign ends," Myers said. "Every dollar will make a difference in someone's life, whether that be food on the table, quality child care or safety from domestic violence. We hope everyone in the community will participate because these vital services are the safety net for all of us.
"Now is a critical time and people, more than ever, are needing assistance from United Way programs. We need to make one last push to get us to our goal."
Myers encourages people whose companies have not been contacted to call the United Way at (217) 222-5020 or visit its Web site at www.unitedwayadamsco.org.
"If only 150 people that have not given in the past gave $100 to the campaign this year, it would go a long way to closing the gap we will need to make up," campaign Vice Chairman Mike Mahair said.
The United Way expects to make a final campaign report to the community before the Thanksgiving holiday.
