United Way needs

public’s help

to fund local charities
By Jason Reagan

High Country United Way officials and board members are hoping a final push may help its fundraising thermometer reach the top despite a tough economy.

On Monday, HCUW director Linda Slade said the group’s 2008-09 goal of $625,000 stands at about $487,500 — a 22 percent shortfall.

“It’s plain and simple. It’s going to translate into fewer dollars for those local people who need it the most,” she said, adding the campaign ends on March 31 (12 days from this publication date).

The agency funds programs for 26 organizations specializing in crisis, community and youth and family services in the High Country area.

With the current recession, demand for services has increased dramatically while donations have declined as people from all economic levels feel the bite.

“The real concern is that our allocations will probably be down as much as $150,000 from last year which means we will have to cut back funding to our agencies providing much-needed services right here in our hometown,” HCUW campaign chairman Jason Triplett said.

“These agencies are providing services to our neighbors, to our friends, to our community right here in the High Country,” he added.

“None of the funds we raise goes outside of the High Country except for our state and national United Way dues which is only about 1.5 percent of our total budget.”

Triplett pointed out that, if every county resident made a $10 donation, the goal would be easily met and almost doubled since a population of about 40,000 would provide $400,000.

To make an immediate donation, send a check to High Country United Way, PO Box 247, Boone, NC 28607.
For more information, call (828) 265-2111 or visit www.highcountryunitedway.org.