By JENNIFER R. WYATT
The numbers are in and the results show there is much more work to be done for the Southern Indiana United Way.
“We know with the economic downturn not only are community needs up, but there is less disposable income,” Becki Rucker, Regional Resource Development Director of the Southern Indiana United Way, said. “In terms of services the demand is up 40 percent. The economy is down, the needs are up and it is harder for people to give. But if everyone working gives to the United Way just a little it would make a big difference. Every donation no matter the size truly helps. “
Nine weeks into the campaign Floyd County has raised 73 percent of its goal, Clark County has raised 48 percent of its goal and Harrison County has raised 38 percent. Overall, the Southern Indiana United Way campaign has reached 55 percent of its goal. The overall goal in term of dollars to be raised by the three counties is $1,757,128.
The success of the Floyd County campaign can be contributed to the General Mills United Way campaign. The company raised 54,376 new dollars.
“It’s been wonderful,” Kevin Fuchs, General Mills United Way Campaign co-chair and financial operations manager said. “It’s great to see employees step up to help their friends and neighbors during these tough economic times. You get a sense of pride that they’ve stepped up.”
If the counties do not meet their goals, area service agencies can expect to see a reduction in their services. Rucker said if the counties can meet their goal at 100 percent no United Way agency will see a reduction in services, but if the goals are not met and an agency sees a loss as little as 10 percent in United Way funds, families could go without basic needs.
“If Interfaith had a 10 percent reduction of United Way support, they would serve 890 less people,” Rucker said. “That means 220 families and 110 children would go without basic food or shelter.”
Corky Beatty, Southern Indiana United Way regional chair, said the volunteers will spend the second half of their campaign thanking the companies who have participated, reaching out to businesses that did not run a United Way campaign and stay focused on raising as much money as possible.
SO YOU KNOW
Statistics show that two out of every three people in the community have been helped in some way by a United Way Agency. The following is a list of some of the community agencies the United Way helps fund.
• American Cancer Society
• American Red Cross, Louisville Area Chapter
• Boy Scouts of America, Lincoln Heritage Council
• The Center for Women and Families
• Community Coordinated Child Care
• Family Health Center of Floyd County Inc.
• Goodwill Bridgepointe Services Inc.
• Hosparus — Hospice of Southern Indiana
• Interfaith Community Council Inc.
• LifeSpan Resources Inc.
• Our Place Drug and Alcohol Education Services Inc.
• Rauch Inc.
• The Salvation Army of Southern Indiana
• YMCA of Southern Ind.
