United Way still needs community help

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- Last year, the United Way set a $145,000 campaign goal. The community raised $165,000. This year Executive Director David English is hoping to meet an even higher goal of $175,000.

But with the campaign getting close to winding down, the new thermometer on the courthouse is showing just a little over 30 percent of the goal.

"We'll be raising the mercury on the thermometer soon, as we still have several companies working on donations," said English.

Several businesses, like National City Bank who has a 100 percent participation rate as well as Wal-Mart Warehouse, Transportation and Store, and Vectren, have completed their campaigns. But that doesn't mean more businesses won't be coming on board with the campaign.

Diamond contributors in the corporate division include DePauw University, Wal-Mart Corporation and Charming Shoppes. Dixie Chopper and Old National Bank are platinum sponsors.

Current silver sponsors are Cunningham Insurance, Cash Concrete, Wabash Capitol, Treasures on the Square, Almost Home, Mikey's Tobacco, Hammer and Company CPA, Case Chiropractic, National City, First National Bank, York Family Auto, North Salem State Bank and Old Hickory Golf Course.

Contributions have also been received from members of the Millennium Club as well as individual donations.

Additionally, English has a group of volunteers working on a special project he hopes will be a big success.

"They are talking to restaurants about doing something similar to what the youth philanthropy group does where a restaurant donates a certain amount, which they determine, during a breakfast, lunch or dinner at their facility,' explained English. "Several restaurants are already signed up."

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.

"This is Putnam County's United Way, it can only be as strong as the people here make it. If today is any indication, then we are well on our way to making our goal of $175,000 this year," said English.

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

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