The United Way of Clallam County, having raised $360,000 toward its $1 million goal, will mail out a plea for more help this week, said Jody Moss, executive director.
“Last year, we had more donors at this point, and the amount was about $50,000 more,” Moss said Wednesday.
She estimated that more than 1,400 people have contributed to the annual fund drive so far and said that more donations may be on the way as businesses wrap up their fundraising campaigns.
Economic impact
“But I think we’re starting to see the economic impact of what’s going on right now,” she said, referring to high unemployment and other news of a poor economy.
“We’re a little concerned.”
Moss said that $953,000 was donated to United Way last year.
A mailer will be delivered to all residents and businesses in Clallam County, with the first mailing Wednesday.
“The mailer is not a request for a second gift but a way to reach people who don’t give through a workplace, who are new to the community or work at home,” Moss said.
“We recognize that some community members may not be able to give what they would like because of the past two years of a bad economy,” Moss said.
But as donations stall, the need grows, she added.
“Many people who have never been unemployed before are seeking help for the first time,” Moss said.
United Way personnel are hearing from members of its 25 partner agencies — which will receive allocations from the United Way fund drive — that they are “being inundated with people asking for help,” Moss said.
Budget cuts
Funds for health and human services have been severely reduced, she said, “and many fear that traditional sources of social service funding may not be restored in the future.
“Some of the budget cuts that are on their way are just going to create more people in need,” Moss said.
Legislators’ “hands are tied,” she said. “They have to make these cuts.
“But the impact is going to trinkle down to the local economy.”
“We hope that community members who have not yet sent in their donations will remember to do so,” said Dan McKeen, Port Angeles fire chief and chairman of this year’s fundraising campaign.
“Many people in our community are struggling just to get by,” he said.
“Every contribution, whether $10 or $1,000, is important. If everyone in Clallam County sent in a donation, imagine the good we can do right here at home.”
Moss said that economic needs will be solved at the local level.
“United Way is one of the best ways to do that because it’s local,” she said.
“It helps people stay working. It helps people get back to work. It’s an economic driver.”
United Way does that by supporting agencies that help with job skills and teach how to budget diminished resources well, she said.
Supports new parents
United Way agencies also support new parents, helping them find child care they can afford and be better parents at home so “the kids are growing up healthy,” Moss said.
There are many options for giving to United Way: payroll deduction, check, credit card, PayPal, direct billing, IRA distribution or stock transfer. All donations are tax-deductible.
For more information about donating, phone the United Way office at 360-457-3011 or visit the website at www.unitedwayclallam.org.
