FARMINGTON – The local United Way needs your help now in meeting its goal.
As an agency associated with helping others nears its Jan. 31 campaign deadline, the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area will come up short of its $395,000 goal if more contributions don’t come in, said Lisa Laflin, United Way’s executive director.
Currently, 81 percent of the total goal or $303,000 has been raised. The agency which annually supports more than 20 local charitable organizations, anticipates another 10 percent in funding may be achieved by the end of this month from ongoing, local, state and national United Way campaigns, but more is needed here to meet their goal.
The economic downturn is believed to be the reason. The stock market’s steep and rocky decline during the last five months have left many with much less ability to give to charitable organization, Laflin said.
“We, and a number of campaigns have seen a reduction in contributions. Wausau’s closing was a major loss,” Laflin said.
Many of the local company campaigns, such as at the mills, hospital, banks, and other major employers of the county, have historically been relied on, year after year, to set and meet their own individual company’s goal. Of those, some campaigns are continuing hand have reported their expected goals.
“The bottom line is that we are still on the campaign trail,” Laflin said.
In the meantime, an allocations panel of United Way board members, community members and staff personnel will begin looking at proposals from non-profit organizations that serve Franklin County, Livermore and Livermore Falls for funding support.
Laflin noted a shift in priorities for allocating funding includes those that meet basic needs, such as food, shelter and fuel. In addition, they are looking for programs that can show a significant, measurable community impact and have long-term solutions to problems.
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At left, Lisa Laflin, executive director of the Tri-Valley United Way, greets the new campaign co-chairs Charlie and Chandler Woodcock of Farmington, at the kick off of the 2009 campaign in front of the United Way office in Farmington on Sept. 17, 2008.A campaign finale celebration and annual meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the University of Maine, Farmington’s North Dining Hall. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar available; a full course dinner buffet is served at 6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Native Oak.
At the annual meeting, The United Way will recognize those individuals, foundations, and workplaces that have supported the organization’s efforts to raise $395,000 in greater Franklin County, including Verso – Androscoggin Mill, Franklin Community Health Network, Franklin Savings Bank, Otis Federal Credit Union, Farmington Ford, the Rockefeller Family Fund, Sugarloaf Charitable Trust, and many others.
A Community Impact Award will also be awarded to two individuals who, in the past year, have epitomized the United Way’s mission to improve people’s lives by building on the caring capacity of our community. The cost of the event is $30 per person; advance reservations are required.
To find out more about the local United Way, click: www.uwtva.org or call 778-5048, email: info@uwtva.org
