United Way campaign at 41 percent of goal

October 12, 2000

United Way campaign at 41 percent of goal

By ANDREA BROWN-HURLEY / Staff Writer

United Way of Washington County's annual fall campaign is off to a "great start," the agency's executive director said Wednesday.

"An initial surge of giving has provided an early lead over previous years," James Taylor said.

Contributions since the campaign's Aug. 30 kickoff total nearly $700,000, about 41 percent of the $1.7 million goal. Campaign donations at this time last year totaled about 15 percent of the goal, said William Bulla, community relations director for United Way.

Campaign officials credit the 26 percent jump in contributions to many employee/corporate fund drives' early completion dates and increased donation amounts.

The United Way Board of Directors and staff members, 10 companies and eight United Way member agencies raised $463,000 by Aug. 30, Bulla said.

These "Pacesetters" include: Allegheny Energy, American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Bon-Ton, Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused (CASA), Catholic Charities, Citicorp Credit Services, Community Action Council, Farmers & Merchants Bank and Trust, Fire X Sales and Service, Food Resources, Girls, Inc., Hecht's, Hospice of Washington County, Keller-Stonebraker Insurance, Magnolia Management, MS Johnston, Susquehanna Bancshares and Tristate Electric.

First Data Merchant Services employees raised 30 percent more than last year, and Citicorp workers' $300,000 in donations mark a 13 percent increase from 1999, Bulla said.

2000 Campaign Chairman Michael Callas congratulated individuals and companies on their efforts.

Call 301-739-8200 for more information about United Way or to make a contribution.

|

|

|