United Way short of goal

GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County United Way is only at 82.7 percent of its goal of raising $175,000 this year for local agencies. The community has raised $144,804.30, which falls more than $30,000 short of the goals.

Last year the community stepped up to the tune of $120,000 in total contributions, but individual contributions are down $45,000 from last year.

"I have always had an inordinate amount of respect and faith in this community, and in individuals in general. My philosophy has always been that when the folk of this community understand the need for something, they find a way to accomplish it," said United Way Executive Director David English.

The United Way provides help to several Putnam County agencies, which in turn help people in the community. English noted 95 to 98 percent of the money raised by United Way stays in Putnam County.

There were 15 local agencies helped by United Way last year. They include the American Red Cross Wabash Valley Chapter, Area 7 Agency on Aging, A-way Home Shelter, Putnam County Family Support Services Inc., Putnam County Youth Development Commission, Reading Improvement Center, Hope Haven Horse Farm, Johnson Nichols Health Clinic, Mental Health America, Putnam County Chaplaincy Association, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Putnam County Council on the Aging and Aged, Summer Enrichment Program and the YMCA of Clay County.

"Our partner agencies will be going through many funding cuts, not only this year, but for several years to come. An example of such drastic cuts can be seen in the fact that one of our partners will receive an eight percent reduction in funding each of the next three years, amounting to a 24 percent overall reduction in funding over that period of time," added English.

Putnam County folks have heard English state over and over again, "The needs are greater and the funding sources for all charitable giving is more limited in these financially difficult times.

"If the community of the county desires to maintain the current level of social services within their community, then donations to the United Way of Putnam County are of the essence," said English.

Individuals, organizations or businesses interested in helping the United Way meet its goal can contact English at 653-5638 or by e-mail at unitedway@airhop.com.