Lee Jessup, president of the United Way of Davidson County, said his organization is 10 to 15 percent, or $200,000 to $300,000, short of its campaign goal that was set to end Dec. 31.
“We are certainly going to receive funds all through January,” he said. “I know a lot of busineses like to be finished by Dec. 31, but in these days and times you’ve got to go the extra mile and for the extra mile is going to be the whole month of January.”
In December 2008, the United Way of Davidson County was set to fall short $150,000 to $170,000 of the goal, but a $170,000 gift by Ed and Peggy Hinkle helped the organization meet its goal of $2 million.
Funds from the campaign are split between 30 human service agencies funded by the United Way of Davidson County.
“The thing that’s really going to be tough is that most all of them have experienced an increase in the requests for services,” Jessup said. “It’s really a catch 22. We are going to provide fewer funds. They are seeing more people at their doors, standing in line for food, clothing, shelter and some of the speciality services that are out there.
“It’s going to be tough. Some of them are going to have to cut back. We are going to have to cut back as an organization in terms of administrative costs.”
If the United Way of Davidson County falls short of its goals, it will have to make cuts to organizations, such as the Special Olympics that rely primarily on the organization, Jessup said.
“It really depends on the size of the agency and that sort of thing,” Jessup said. “A 10 to 15 percent cut for some of the agencies, that’s going to be hard for them to continue the same level of service that they have been able to do in ‘09.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the United Way of Davidson County can call 249-2532 or send checks to P.O. BOX 492., Lexington, N.C. 27293.
dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657
Post a Comment
